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Update: Driver Charged with Felony Hit & Run in Off Duty Death of High Point, NC Firefighter, Union President Killed on Bike

by First Arriving Feb 2, 2014, 8:28 pm 3,756 Comments

A High Point, North Carolina firefighter and President of IAFF Local 673 was killed Sunday in an off-duty accident while riding a bicycle.

“It is with a heavy heart that I have to notify you that [Fire Equipment Operator] Todd Martinez has passed away at Moses Cone Hospital this evening through complications of a bicycle and vehicle collision,” High Point Fire Chief Fire Chief Tommy Reid in a statement. “Valiant life saving efforts by Summerfield Fire, Guilford EMS, and Moses Cone staff were unsuccessful. Please keep the Martinez family in your thoughts and prayers during this trying time.”

Todd Martinez, Courtesy High Point Fire Department

According to his LinkedIn profile, Martinez was with the High Point Fire Department since 1997. He was also a part-time Paramedic with the Guilford County Emergency Services since 1998.

Martinez was a Firefighter/EMT in Alameda County, California prior to joining the High Point department. He grew up in Oakland, California. He also spent 15 years with the United States Coast Guard and United States Naval Reserve. He leaves behind a wife and two sons.

The High Point Fire Department is requesting all Emergency Services personnel with a desire to participate in the procession and or services for FEO Todd Martinez to please contact them at (336) 307-0202. Please leave your contact name, phone number and pertinent information. The department will get back to you soon with additional information.

High Point Fire Department: Facebook | Web Site

News Report

By Sarah Newell Williamson, News & Record, Greensboro, N.C.

A High Point firefighter was riding his bike Sunday afternoon in Summerfield when he was struck by a vehicle. He died later that night at Moses Cone Hospital.

High Point Fire Equipment Operator Todd Martinez, 49, was riding his bike on Scalesville Road in Summerfield when he was was struck by a pickup truck.

The wreck happened at 5:15 p.m. about 3 miles north of Summerfield, said First Sgt. Jeff Gordon with the Highway Patrol. Martinez, of Windspray Lane in Summerfield, was biking west on the road.

Martinez’s bicycle was struck from behind by a driver that didn’t see him, Gordon said. He was fatally injured. The pickup truck fled the scene, Gordon said.

According to WGHP Fox8, Andrew B. Barham, 19, of Reidsville, is charged with felony hit-and-run following the accident.

Fox8 reported Highway Patrol troopers were at the scene of the wreck when another man arrived and gave information about Barham, leading to his arrest.

Martinez died at Moses Cone Hospital Sunday night, according to the High Point Fire Department’s Facebook page.

Fire Chief Tommy Reid thanked agencies for their life-saving efforts.

“Valiant life saving efforts by Summerfield Fire, Guilford EMS, and Moses Cone staff were unsuccessful. Please keep the Martinez family in your thoughts and prayers during this trying time.”