Demaris D. Martinez Obituary, Death – A woman tragically struck and killed while crossing Route 17 in the early hours of Saturday, September 21, has been identified as Demaris D. Martinez of Hillsdale. Martinez, a single mother and a social media influencer, was hit by a Kia and then a tractor-trailer while attempting to cross the highway around 3:30 a.m., according to local authorities. The accident occurred near a Wendy’s as Martinez crossed the road from east to west. At the time, police were uncertain why she was crossing the highway, and the investigation into the circumstances of the incident is still ongoing.
Police Chief Robert Guidetti shared that, initially, authorities had difficulty identifying Martinez after the accident. It wasn’t until later that the victim was confirmed to be Martinez, a well-known figure on social media who had amassed a large following through her content, which focused on various aspects of her personal life, faith, and experiences. Martinez’s online presence featured videos where she discussed her journey following Jesus, cooking tutorials, and her experiences overcoming sexual and domestic abuse.
In a video posted earlier this year in March, Martinez shared her aspirations to become a lawyer, stating that she was in school with the goal of becoming “one of the world’s greatest lawyers someday.” Her dreams and personal story resonated with many of her followers, and she often connected with them by sharing pieces of her life, including moments with her young son. Martinez had even collaborated with a news channel, creating content with her son, further expanding her online reach.
Following her tragic death, many of Martinez’s followers expressed shock and sorrow. On YouTube, a commenter posted, “R.i.p. sweet girl,” while another follower on Facebook shared, “Wow I can’t believe.” Her followers mourned not just the loss of a popular content creator but someone they saw as a source of inspiration and positivity. Martinez had often used humor in her posts, with her last interaction on social media being the day before her death, when she reposted a meme joking about friend requests.
The tragic accident has left investigators searching for answers, particularly regarding what led Martinez to cross Route 17 that night. Authorities are seeking assistance from the public in their ongoing investigation. Police Chief Guidetti has encouraged anyone with information about the incident to contact Detective Sergeant Nicholas Luciano at the Paramus Police Special Investigations Unit at 201-262-3400, extension 1428.
Martinez’s death has raised questions not only about the specific events leading up to the accident but also about the broader dangers of crossing such highways. Route 17 is a busy, high-speed road, and crossing it on foot at any time, let alone at night, can be incredibly risky. As investigators work to piece together the details, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of caution in such areas.
For her followers, friends, and family, Martinez’s sudden passing is a devastating loss. Her journey as a single mother who had overcome significant challenges and sought to inspire others made her an admired figure on social media. Her content reflected a woman who was resilient, hopeful, and committed to making a better future for herself and her son. Her aspirations to become a lawyer and her dedication to raising awareness about issues like abuse had inspired many of her viewers, and her impact will be remembered by those who followed her.
The investigation into her death continues as authorities search for more details and possible witnesses. In the meantime, the online community continues to mourn the loss of a woman who used her platform to spread messages of hope and resilience. Martinez’s story, though cut tragically short, leaves behind a legacy of perseverance and faith, qualities that resonated with her audience and touched the lives of many.