Maria “Tess” Martinez, a former Tucson Weekly intern, died Monday, June 1, in a single-car accident in New Mexico. She was 25 years old.
Martinez was student at the University of Arizona. In addition to interning and freelancing for the Weekly, she served as an intern at the Tucson Citizen and as an apprentice at La Estrella de Tucson; as a temporary writer at the Green Valley News and Sun; and as a freelancer for publications including Inside Tucson Business.
She spent the summer of 2008 as one of 10 students in the Academy for Alternative Journalism, a joint program of the Association of Alternative Newsweeklies and the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. The AAN announcement said of Tess:
At 19, Tess Martinez left her hometown of Tucson, Ariz., and headed to California, eventually settling in San Francisco. After a few years of goofing around in the Bay Area, she returned to Tucson and finished her studies in journalism at the University of Arizona. She works as a waitress at a sushi bar and enjoys tinkering with Volkswagens.
She was on her way to the Chicago area to look for work when the accident happened. Her Twitter page lists her last message—sent at 3:44 p.m., on Saturday, May 30—as: “driving to Chicago tonight.”
The Weekly staff sends our sympathies to Tess’ other friends, and especially her family.
This article appears in Jun 4-10, 2009.
Tess, you were a talented journalist and I had tons of fun working with you. You brought some sass to Green Valley.
My condolences to Tess’s family.
Tess was a smart and edgy young woman and dedicated journalist determined to make her own way in this world. I supervised her when she was an intern at the Citizen, and she brought a spirit of fun to the newsroom. It’s hard to believe her adventure on this planet is over. She made it a better place.
Tess… my always friend!!! I miss u like crazy already! I will never forget that fun trip to LA last semester…and all those cheers u had for me when i was down in school..And let’s not talk about those happy hour nites at Sushi Garden! I will always love u and miss u girl! Ur the best journalist ever…! ur friend Paola Camacho
Tess was one of my closest friends, and I never met anyone like her. I think it’s safe to say none of us will. She was usually the first person I called in a crisis, not just because she was a wonderfully sympathetic listener but because she always, always knew what to do. No one who knew her will ever forget her.
Mis condolencias para la familia de Tess.
Espero que Dios le de la fortaleza para sobre ponerse a esta lamentable pérdida.
My condolences to Tess’ family.
I hope that God gives them the strength to get over this sad loss.
To die on the way to Chicago is poignant.
Search Tucson Weekly archives for Tess Martinez and you might be able to see she had the basics down cold…
Jimmy, my condolences to you and the Weekly staff, as well. It’s always a small and close-knit crew.
I agree with Red Star. Tess Martinez’ work was solid and she seemed to have a good career ahead of her. Having never met Tess, I hope not to be inappropriate in saying that she seemed like an independent with grit. Diving into California to cut her own path shows true spirit and strength. What a sad way to die. I have her family, friends and the fellow TW family — including her fellow interns from that year — in my thoughts.
Link to archive of Tess’ work for the Weekly.: http://www.tucsonweekly.com/tucson/Article…
I had the pleasure of having Tess as a student in two classes at the UA and working with her at TW. She was wonderful: A hard worker, a smart mind, and a total delight to have around. Gone much too soon.
Jimmy, Nintz, Et. Al.,
My love & condolences to you all. Tess was interning at TW when I was doing event listings; she was always smart & down-to-earth. I last saw her last year, at the Safehouse; we yapped while waiting for our respective coffees. She said she didn’t know what she was doing next, but she was looking forward to whatever it ended up being; a good philosophy for life, methinks. Thanks for that reminder, Tess.
Tess was one of the smartest students at J-school. She had the skepticism that any good journalist should have. Her death is a loss on many fronts.
You’ll be missed.
Having known Tess for most of her life, I came to love her and cherish her as one of my own. She could leave you wondering what adventure she may embark on next, but she always left you with a smile…
I remember our long distance conversations, our romps downtown, your indomitable spirit, and I will miss you sorely and never forget you, a part of my heart will always be with you… a true tragedy and loss to us all….
This past week has been a very difficult one for us. We are touched by the outpouring of kindness, sympathy and support we have received from friends, family and the community. We are especially grateful to the AZ Daily Star, Green Valley News/Sahuarita Sun and The Tucson Weekly for printing those beautiful articles about our Tess. Her family and friends were most grateful and even more impressed by their kind efforts. Your articles and others like it will help to memorialize the wonderful person that Tess was and her many achievements and aspirations during her life time. We also appreciate that friends and family are given the opportunity to post sentiments of their own.
Included is information on the Tess Martinez and Family Funeral Expense Fund.
The following is information regarding the funeral services being offered for Tess and her family;
All services being held at:
St Melany’s Byzantine Catholic Church
1212 N Sahuaha Ave
Tucson Az 85712
Rev Robert Rankin
886-4225
444-2713 (private #)
850-9644 Rachel Vallone
Much needed Donations to help with Funeral and other expenses can be made to:
Bank of Tucson- Account # 4038626
St Melany’s acct #SAA- 850-9644
Something Sweet-881-7735
Rosary Service being held
Mon 7:00 pm
Funeral Service being held
Tuesday 10:00 am
Funeral procession and Grave site
interment to follow services
Luncheon to follow in church hall
I speak on behalf of the many close friends and family of our Dear Tess,
Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers
and any efforts made to aid the Martinez family in their greatest time of need,
Most Sincerely,
Rachel Vallone &
The Martinez Family
How did she go off the road? Was this a suspicious death?
Tess, i’ll never forget you.. im always thinking about you and your accomplishments… things aren’t going too good down here on planet earth, but at least we’ve got you watching our backs 😉 i wish i could express how much you mean to me.. hope to see you soon! much love,
your lil bro, Chris.
She will be remembered&loved as she loved. The good die young&she was one of theBest. I think about her everyday.
I love you my sweet sister Tess you will never be forgotten and will forever be adored! May you rest in the lords presence for eternity! Sleep softly…