People come into one another’s lives not knowing the impact they will have on each other. For Stephen Pitchkolan, President of Kappa Sigma at UTEP, the impact of Diego Martinez is an everlasting one. Unfortunately, some people leave this earth unexpectedly and their legacy is the only thing left for their loved ones to carry on. After a devastating motorcycle accident Sept. 29, Martinez’s friends and family mourn his absence.
Pitchkolan finds that he now holds the best parts of Martinez in himself despite no longer having his presence in his life. Having met in third grade in their catechism class, Pitchkolan remembers the inviting and open person Martinez was especially after inviting him to join his basketball team.
“Diego was an inspiration and a leader to (so) many people,” Pitchkolan said. “(His) best qualities were his competitive yet loveable nature.”
That nature was seen throughout his time at UTEP as an engineering student and through his activeness in the basketball scene in El Paso. According to his obituary, Martinez spent some time being a referee for youth leagues at local basketball gyms.
It’s also the amount of love Martinez had that made him not only a gravitating light but a joy to be with anyone who surrounded him.
“(He) is an example of what it is to be a great man and a great person,” Pitchkolan said. “I loved Diego, and he loved a whole lot.”
Martinez was known for his heart and it’s something Pitchkolan hopes to carry with him.
“I can speak for many people (when I say) that he was genuine and influenced a lot of people. He will always be remembered, and his impact will be forever,” Pitchkolan said. “In honor of Diego, I will continue to spread his joy and demeanor to anyone I can.”
Everyone is welcome to attend the visitation which will take place from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 12, at St. Luke Catholic Church, 930 E. Redd Rd., with a Rosary at 6:00 pm. A funeral mass will be held at St. Luke Catholic Church at 10:30 am on Saturday, Oct. 14.
The Martinez family is asking that everyone wear white or vibrant colors and flower donations be sent to UTEP to create a memorial. It’s seen throughout the outpowering of love that those who knew Diego, want everyone and anyone to ‘Love like Diego’.
Itzel Anahi Giron is the editor-in-chief and may be reached at [email protected]; @by.itzel.giron on Instagram; @itzel_anahi_16 on X.
