Director of the Valentine killed after being hit by vehicle in Richmond

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- William Martin, the director of the Valentine in Richmond, died after police said he was hit by a vehicle on East Broad Street in Richmond over the weekend.

At about 2:10 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 27, officers with the Richmond Police Department were called to the intersection of East Broad and North 10th streets for a report of a vehicle hitting a pedestrian.

When officers arrived, they found Martin, 71, of Richmond, down and injured in the eastbound lanes of East Broad Street.

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The driver of the vehicle, who hit Martin, remained at the scene.

Martin was taken to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries.

On Sunday, Dec. 28, police said he died due to his injuries.

The Valentine issued a statement on Martin's passing, highlighting the profound impact that he had on the Valentine and the Greater Richmond Region community.

That statement is as follows:

"We are heartbroken to share the passing of Valentine Director Bill Martin. Bill was seriously injured in a traffic accident on Saturday, December 27, 2025 and passed away on Sunday, December 28, 2025 while receiving care. He was a deeply respected leader, colleague and friend. His dedication to sharing Richmond’s stories has left an indelible impact on the Valentine and the greater community. The Valentine’s Board of Trustees and leadership team are working closely to ensure continuity of the museum’s work. We do not have additional information to share at this time."

Other Virginia leaders reacted to the passing of Martin, with Richmond Mayor Danny Avula describing him as a fixture in the Richmond community.

"I’m heartbroken over the loss of my dear friend, Bill Martin, who died Sunday after being struck by a driver," Avula said. "Bill was a Richmond icon, an historian who worked tirelessly to tell Richmond’s stories in new and lasting ways, with a particular passion for telling the fullness of our City’s complex history, but always pointing us forward. Bill's passing is a tremendous loss for our community. I will miss him dearly, and I take comfort in the enduring legacy he leaves behind in the city he so thoughtfully served."

"I’m saddened to hear about Bill Martin’s tragic passing," said Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger (D). "He exemplified the best of Virginia — developing a deep knowledge of our past and determining how it can inform our future. Adam and I are praying for Bill’s family, friends, and the RVA community.

“Bill Martin was a passionate steward of our City’s history and culture," said City Council President Cynthia Newbill shared the following statement. "Under his leadership, The Valentine Museum became a well-known and respected institution that educated and inspired countless visitors. This is an immeasurable loss for our City. On behalf of Richmond City Council, we extend our deepest sympathies to his family and the entire Valentine Museum community.”

This is a developing story, stay with 8News for updates.