Celebration of life for teen basketball star brings together hundreds, family, friends

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- It was an emotional scene Wednesday as hundreds filled the Henrico Sports and Events Center to remember and celebrate Jaylen Martinez.

13-year-old Martinez died last June, after what Henrico police say was an accidental shooting. Today, family, friends, mentors and coaches shared their memories of Martinez, and described his talent, spirit and selflessness.

His mother, Ciera Martinez, was described as his biggest cheerleader. And his father, Joey Rodriguez, played on and worked for VCU basketball, giving him close ties to that community.

"All this resulted in who Jay was," Martinez's godfather and Rodriguez's former teammate, Ed Nixon, said. "A young man with an infectious smile. A young man who saw the good in everyone. A young man that would give you the shirt off his back and the shoes off his feet. A young man who we all came to love and cherish."

Martinez's basketball career was only just beginning. He played at and recently graduated from Liberty Middle School, where basketball mentor CJ Wiggins said Martinez averaged 27 points a game.

Martinez was committed to continuing his education and athletic career at Benedictine College Preparatory.

He also played at Rock-It, a sports club in Richmond. His coaches and mentors there described him as a force, on and off the court.

"This past week took a lot from all of us," Aaron Roussell, coach of the University of Richmond's women's basketball team and at Rock-It, said. "It took away a son, took away a teammate, a friend, a lot of things to a lot of people. It took away an opportunity for me to coach that kid, and I love that kid."

Another Rock-It coach shared that the team would be retiring Martinez's jersey number, number five, at the end of this season.