11-05-2025
Fundraiser established to help Barstow mother who lost three children in truck crash
The High Desert community demonstrated an outpouring of support on Mother's Day for a Barstow mother who lost three children in a pickup truck crash a week prior.
Sailor Martinez, 10, Trent Martinez, 15, and Cole Martinez, 16, all of Barstow, along with their father, 35-year-old Bryce Martinez of Yermo, died in the solo-vehicle wreck on May 4 along the westbound 40 Freeway, east of Newberry Springs, according to California Highway Patrol and San Bernardino County coroner's officials.
They were riding in a 2012 Dodge Ram, being driven by the father, when the vehicle veered off the right side of the road and overturned multiple times on a dirt shoulder, CHP officials said at the time. All four victims died from their injuries at the scene.
The cause and circumstances of the crash remained under investigation.
More: Father, three children killed in 40 Freeway crash near Newberry Springs identified
An online fundraiser was established Sunday on to aid the children's mother, Tamara Ortiz.
It had garnered well over $15,000 in donations by Sunday afternoon."This tragedy is unexpected and, as you can imagine, heartbreaking," according to a statement from the mother's current partner, Michael Garcia, with whom she shares two younger children.
"I have been with Tamara since 2015 and through the years we were blessed with two more children, Peyton and Lynsey who we are helping navigate through their loss, as well," he said. "Tamara is not the kind of person who receives help well, it has taken her some time to allow us all to be there for her in the time of need. If you are willing to donate, please know how much she and the rest of us truly appreciate it."
In addition to the campaign, donations can also be made directly to Dignity Memorial in Barstow, which is collecting funds on behalf of the family, loved ones said.
More: Investigation continues after I-40 crash near Newberry Springs leaves man, three children dead
Any witnesses to the crash, or anyone with information, was asked to contact Officer S. Herrera of the CHP's Barstow Area Office at (760) 255-5900.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Fund established to help Barstow mother who lost three children in crash
