'Distraught. Miserable...I told them you’re lying': Teen killed in Newark crash

NEWARK, N.J. (PIX11) -- A 13-year-old boy died after a car accident Sunday in Newark, N.J., according to officials.

The accident happened near Clifton Avenue and Montclair Avenue. A GoFundMe set up by the family identified the boy as Edwin Ivan Martinez. Estephani Barraza said she is still in disbelief that her 13-year-old cousin is gone forever. The car he was traveling in with his relative was slammed by another vehicle.

“Distraught. Miserable. I was awake. They told me. I screamed. I told them you’re lying. My parents told me no, we are not lying. I was in denial. I cried. I stopped crying. I cried again,” said Barraza. “Last time I saw him was Friday. And he wanted me to see him play soccer. His smile was phenomenal."

It is a smile that she will never see again. Martinez, who was in the passenger seat, died at the scene, and his cousin, who was driving the car, is now in a coma at a nearby hospital.

“It’s crazy because I feel right now hurt. I feel bad, bad, really bad,” said Francisco Hernandez about his young nephew.

We are told Martinez spoke to his mother right before heading home from his uncle’s house. She urged him to walk home, but the teen, known for his love for sports and sense of humor, decided to take the ride instead.

“He was supposed to go back to El Salvador this year. With me and my sister. That chance won’t happen,” added Barraza.

Martinez has a younger sister who does not yet understand what happened to her big brother. Their mother, after seeing the crash debris, was heard saying she no longer wanted to live. The entire family and community are inconsolable. They have a message for the driver.

“Go to jail. Be careful driving. Watch both ways. Watch what you’re doing on the road. Speeding kills. Speeding kills,” she said.

Authorities are urging witnesses to come forward with any information that can help the investigation.