Uber Driver Killed In NJ Crash Worked Extra Hours To Support His Kids, Newborn Grandson

WEST DEPTFORD, NJ — An Uber driver killed in a crash earlier this month in West Deptford was a Dominican Republic native working extra hours to support his children and his newborn grandson, according to a GoFundMe in his memory.

José M. Martínez was killed when a man ran a red light and sped into his car while fleeing police Nov. 9, authorities said. He was 42.

Martínez, of Lindenwold, had just finished his shift at his regular day job and was driving for Uber to support his family, according to the GoFundMe. He was the sole provider for his two children, including his daughter, who recently gave birth to Martínez's first grandchild.

He and his family are from the Dominican Republic, with no relatives or close support system in the United States.

"His sudden passing has left them (his family) not only heartbroken but also facing overwhelming financial challenges," the fundraiser says.

The GoFundMe, launched Nov. 12, has generated $760 toward its $5,000 goal as of this writing.

Proceeds support household bills and upcoming expenses for Martínez's children, along with funeral services. Family members also hope to transport Martínez's body to the Dominican Republic.

A funeral was held last week in Clementon.

The other driver in the crash, George Linard, is facing manslaughter charges in the crash.

West Deptford police flashed their emergency lights to stop Linard's vehicle Nov. 9 when he floored it and crossed onto the wrong side of the road to pass another car, according to the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office.

Linard then ran a red light and struck another vehicle, killing Martínez and seriously injuring several others, authorities said.

He's been jailed since Nov. 10.

A range of legal matters have unfolded in the case, including law enforcement discovering that Linard initially gave them a fake ID with the name "Steve Hall." Authorities first identified him as Hall but later discovered the suspect's real name, finding that he was dodging a warrant for charges in Bergen County, according to prosecutors.

Linard is also a United Kingdom resident. He's been removed from the United States before and is currently in the country illegally, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

ICE claims his real name is Steve Peker and "George Linard" is another alias. But state records continue to identify him as Linard.

The state Attorney General's Office is also investigating the incident, since it involves an encounter with law enforcement.