Jose Martinez killed in Punta Gorda I-75 crash with kids

clock Created with Sketch Beta. April 02, 2026
Jose Martinez killed in Punta Gorda I-75 crash with kids

PUNTA GORDA, FL, (March 27, 2026) – A devastating two-vehicle crash on Interstate 75 in Punta Gorda claimed the lives of Jose Martinez and his two young stepchildren on Friday.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a 2014 Jeep Wrangler traveling southbound at a high rate of speed crossed the grass median near mile marker 153 and collided with a northbound 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe.

The impact caused the Hyundai to split into multiple pieces. Martinez, who was driving the Hyundai, and his stepchildren, Josiah and Fernando, ages 5 and 6, were pronounced dead from their injuries.

The 28-year-old driver of the Jeep, from New York, was hospitalized with serious injuries. The crash remains under investigation.

Incident Location


HEAD-ON CRASH INVESTIGATION

Speeding is a dangerous form of reckless driving that puts everyone on the roadway at significant risk.

Excessive speed reduces a driver’s reaction time in hazardous situations, increases stopping distance, and diminishes the effectiveness of safety features designed to prevent serious crashes.

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there were 395,175 traffic crashes in the state in 2023, resulting in 3,375 fatalities.

“Contributing factors to be examined include road conditions, visibility, and lighting,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal.

“In addition to reviewing the police report, an attorney will thoroughly evaluate all factors that may have contributed to the crash,” Bond said. “Legal counsel has the resources to engage expert witnesses, perform background checks, locate witnesses, and review applicable insurance coverage. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help guide victims and families through a complex legal process.”

“An accident reconstruction team is sometimes necessary to help determine exactly what occurred. These resources are essential for helping clients pursue compensation for damages or losses following a collision,” added Bond, an experienced auto accident attorney.


WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM

Pending the investigation, the family of Jose Martinez, Josiah, and Fernando could pursue wrongful death claims. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident such as this.

“The stress and grief can be overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal.

“We understand what families must endure during such a difficult time, and protecting their rights is essential. A wrongful death attorney will remain updated on the investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are fully represented.”


(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)


Have you been in a similar accident and need help? Speak to Accident Injury News's national legal analyst Candice Bond now free of charge for a no-obligation consultation

(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).

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