Respected B.D.F. Soldier Dies in Motorcycle Crash

Victor Martin

The Belize Defense Force is mourning the death of Staff Sergeant Victor Martin. He was a special force operator, physical instructor and mentor to many officers. Martin also had a passion for motorbikes. While heading west from the Belize District on his motorcycle on Tuesday, he collided with a pickup truck and lost his life. News Five’s Paul Lopez spoke to Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Velasquez about Martin’s years of service to the force.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

Staff Sergeant Victor Martin is described as a solider married to the force. He dedicated twenty-five years of his life to serving the Belize Defense Force. On Tuesday afternoon, his life came to a tragic end.

Lt. Col. Anthony Velasquez, Chief of Staff, B.D.F.

“He has never had any major incidents before, just minor stuff. Like, the chain might have burst once. Or, his battery gave trouble, but nothing major. He was always a careful rider on the bike. Whenever anyone saw him, he was well suited, had his suit on and his helmet at all times. So, this came as a shock because he was a very careful rider of his bike.”

Martin left Price Barracks in Ladyville Village on his motorcycle at around four-thirty p.m. He was heading west on the highway when he collided head-on into a grey Mazda pickup truck that was being driven at the time by Arlie Ayala. Police formally arrested and charged Ayala for the crime of manslaughter by negligence, among other traffic offenses, today.

Arlie Ayala

Lt. Col. Anthony Velasquez

“Whenever he came around, everyone was apprehensive because he would demand the utmost from everyone physical wise. He was also an athlete, well known athlete within Belize who was exposed internationally to track and field. And, like anything he ever did, he did with dedication and discipline. And he represented Belize regionally and internationally. And, the last competition he represented Belize in was the Bakers to Vegas Marathon. He was the team captain, slash coach.”

The Belize Defense Force recently awarded Martin with a long service and good conduct medal for his years of commitment.

Anthony Velasquez

Lt. Col. Anthony Velasquez

“He was a model solider if there ever was one. Victor Martin was a model solider. He excelled in everything he did, and everything he did, he did passionately.  Victor didn’t have any children. So he was married to the Belize Defense Force, dedicated one hundred percent to the BDF. And, he is missed a lot by his entire B.D.F. family and by his natural family, his mother, his brothers and his extended family.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

Arlie Ayala was also charged with causing death by careless conduct, driving a motor vehicle without due care and attention, and failing to give way when changing directions.