Driver in fatal I-90 semi-tanker crash identified

SPOKANE – Authorities have identified the victim of the semi-tanker crash on Interstate 90 near the Salnave exit as Roberto Martinez, 51.

The Spokane County Medical Examiner confirmed the identity on Dec. 18, although the cause and manner of death remain under investigation.

Kimberly Martinez, Roberto's wife of five years, suspected her husband was the driver involved in the fiery crash but had to endure weeks of uncertainty before confirmation.

Kimberly described Roberto as a funny, kind, and selfless man who deeply loved his family. "I could always count on him being home when I got off work," she said.

On Dec. 5, however, their routine was tragically interrupted. Kimberly recalled texting Roberto that morning about road conditions. "I told him to be careful, and he texted back saying he was slowing down," she said. "He was always a careful driver." She had no idea it would be one of their final conversations.

Later that afternoon, Kimberly received a call from Roberto's employer at Cougar Den Fueling. "I knew something was wrong," she said. "Why else would they be calling me?" The employer informed her of the crash on I-90 and shared that they were "99 percent sure" Roberto was the driver.

Desperate for answers, Kimberly tried calling and texting her husband. "I thought, what if they're wrong? What if there's been a mistake?" she said.

Authorities initially struggled to confirm the victim's identity due to a lack of DNA evidence at the scene. However, the Martinez family conducted their own investigation. Kimberly noted that Roberto's phone last pinged near the crash site, and his employer confirmed his truck was the only one in the area at the time.

"I kept thinking, 'Be home tonight. If it's a mistake, he'll find a way to contact me,'" Kimberly said.

While grappling with their loss, the family has chosen to focus on Roberto's legacy. His son, Gavin Martinez, reflected on his father's impact. "This is the longest I've gone without talking to him," Gavin said. "I just miss him. I miss his voice."

As the Martinez family awaits further answers, they remain committed to honoring the memory of a man who meant so much to those who knew and loved him.