How did Aaliyah's family and friends react to her death?

Aaliyah's family, including her mother Shantell and aunt Tasha Sanchez, are devastated by her sudden loss. They describe Aaliyah as a "friend to everybody" with an "infectious" spirit.

What were Aaliyah's dreams and aspirations?

Aaliyah had secured an athletic scholarship to pursue her passion for wrestling, and she also dreamed of becoming a nurse after college.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Promising Young Wrestler Dies in Tragic College Crash

Promising Young Wrestler Dies in Tragic College Crash

Q: What happened to Aaliyah Martin?

Aaliyah Martin, an 18-year-old college student and wrestler, was killed in a two-vehicle collision near Montezuma, Iowa, just three weeks into her freshman year.

29 Sep

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Summary

18-year-old Aaliyah Martin killed in two-vehicle collision
Aaliyah called for help from her smartwatch before dying
Family and friends devastated by sudden loss of "bright light"

Promising Young Wrestler Dies in Tragic College Crash

On September 13, 2022, 18-year-old Aaliyah Martin, a promising young wrestler, was killed in a two-vehicle collision near Montezuma, Iowa. Aaliyah had been a college freshman at William Penn University for just over three weeks when the tragic accident occurred.

Aaliyah was riding in the back of a Jeep Wrangler with her friend Sydney E. Andersen when the vehicle collided with another Jeep at an intersection. Despite Aaliyah's efforts to call for help from her smartwatch, she and Andersen were pronounced dead at the scene. The other two passengers were injured and transported to a nearby hospital.

Aaliyah's family, including her mother Shantell, father Kevin, and two siblings, are devastated by the sudden loss. Her aunt, Tasha Sanchez, describes Aaliyah as a "friend to everybody" with an "infectious" spirit. Aaliyah had secured an athletic scholarship to pursue her passion for wrestling, and she had already made new friends on campus.