Trending Topics

Calif. corrections officer dies in crash while driving to work

Christopher Martinez, an officer at California State Prison, Corcoran, leaves behind his wife and 9-month-old child

Christopher Martinez

CDCR

By Sarah Roebuck
Corrections1

CORCORAN, Calif. — A California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation officer died in a car crash while on his way to work, the department announced in a news release.

Corrections Officer Christopher Martinez, died in the crash on Nov. 9. He served at the State Prison in Corcoran, CDCR said.

Martinez began his career in November 2023 as a cadet at the Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center, according to CDCR. Following his graduation, he joined the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility (SATF) at State Prison in Corcoran in March 2024.

“Although Christopher’s time at SATF was limited, he touched everyone’s heart who got the chance to work with him. Christopher was an invaluable member of the SATF team will always be in our hearts. At this profound time of mourning, please keep the Martinez family in your thoughts and prayers,” acting Warden Raul Morales said in a statement.

Martinez leaves behind his wife and 9-month-old child, according to a GoFundMe set up to support Martinez’s family.