RAMONA, CALIFORNIA – A Ramona family is demanding road safety upgrades along State Route 67 after their father, 68-year-old Roberto Martinez Oros, was tragically killed in a multi-vehicle crash in Poway on Friday afternoon.
According to NBC 7 San Diego, the crash occurred around 12:30 p.m. near Iron Mountain Drive and claimed the lives of five people, including Martinez Oros. A sixth person was killed in a separate crash in the area just hours later.
Martinez’s daughter, Yesenia Martinez, says the pain is unbearable.
“The first night — I’m not going to lie — I slept in his bed, and I was just hugging his comforter because that’s all I have. That’s all I’m going to have from him,” she told reporters.
Crash Involved Wrong-Way Driver on Treacherous Stretch
Surveillance video shows Martinez Oros’ Honda Civic rounding a corner when it was suddenly struck head-on by a pickup truck traveling the wrong way on southbound SR-67.
“He was clearly, for at least half a mile, going on the wrong side of the road,” Martinez said. “My dad had no chance. Literally, he had no chance.”
The impact started a brush fire, which burned about half an acre before crews extinguished it.
Victim Remembered for Compassion and Hard Work
Martinez Oros, a Mexican immigrant who worked at Popeyes, Home Depot, and took on multiple jobs, was on his way to the bank to secure a loan to remodel the family’s home when the crash occurred.
“To him, helping others came naturally. One time he gave a ride to strangers whose car broke down — just because he remembered when he didn’t have one,” his daughter said.
He was proud of achieving the American Dream and was deeply committed to providing for his children and grandchildren.
Family and Community Call for Concrete Medians
The Martinez family hopes their father’s death will spur real change. They’re urging Caltrans and local officials to install concrete medians along SR-67, a route often flagged for head-on collisions and fatal crashes.
“Let this be a wake-up call,” Yesenia said. “We can’t keep losing lives on this road.”
Though local planning groups have discussed barriers before, Caltrans has not yet confirmed whether construction is being considered. NBC 7 has requested comment but has not received a response as of press time.
The family is now working to send Martinez Oros’ remains back to Mexico, where his wife was buried three years ago.
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