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Breckenridge woman remembered following fatal hit-and-run crash

Christina Martinez Hernandez, 25, died following a hit-and-run crash in Breckenridge. Her family and friends are setting up donation boxes around the town, such as this one, located at City Market, to raise funds to cover the cost of a funeral. They also set up a donation account under her name through Wells Fargo, account number 5169300034.
Elise Reuter / ereuter@summitdaily.com |

Christina Martinez Hernandez, a 25-year-old Breckenridge resident, died after a hit-and-run crash on Monday evening. Breckenridge police are searching for a suspect but do not yet have a description of the individual or a vehicle.

Hernandez’s body was found to the side of the 600 block of Airport Road, near the intersection of Rankin Avenue. Breckenridge police and Red, White & Blue firefighters responded to the scene and began resuscitation efforts just after 11 p.m. Hernandez was pronounced dead at 11:34 p.m. on Aug. 31, 2015.

John Kenney, who was driving on Airport Road to return home from work, was the first on the scene, and reported the sight to local police.



“I’m pretty sure she was in the crosswalk when she got hit,” Kenney said. “She was just on the side of the road, about 20 feet from the sidewalk.”

He said when he saw the woman in the road, he got out of his car, asking her, “Ma’am, you OK?” repeatedly.



When he turned on his flashlight, he saw the full extent of the damage, including severe head trauma. He believed a car driving at excessive speeds hit her, as her shoes and backpack were scattered several feet away.

“The speed limit is 25 miles per hour… for someone to be going that fast, that’s insane,” Kenney said.

The crash is the second hit-and-run to take place on Airport Road in the last year. On Dec. 26, 2014, 23-year-old Laura Hamilton was hit and severely injured while walking along Airport Road. A suspect was identified and faces three charges: Failure to remain at the scene of an accident, a class four felony; vehicular assault, a class five felony; and failure to report an accident, a class one misdemeanor.

“Something has to be done to control traffic on there,” Kenney said, suggesting speed bumps and improved lighting as a possible solution.

According to Breckenridge police, a potential suspect was last spotted at the parking lot at 1900 Airport Road, near Muncheez and Breck Organic Therapy. Police are seeking information on an individual who met with the suspect in the parking lot at 11 p.m., after the fatal crash. To submit information, contact the Breckenridge Police Department at (970) 453-2941.

REMEMBERING CHRSITINA

Hernandez’s family and friends remembered her for her constant smile, and her hard work, as she juggled two jobs at Valdoro Mountain Lodge and the Blue Stag Saloon.

“She was a happy person, always smiling. She was nice to be around all the time,” remembered the head of housekeeping for Valdoro Mountain Lodge.

“She was always super friendly, happy,” Heather Davis, a manager with the Blue Stag Saloon added.

A donation box has been set up at the information desk at City Market in Breckenridge. Davis added she hoped to set up a box at the Blue Stag Saloon, and Arthur Borrego, a family friend, will inquire about setting up a box at Beaver Run Resort.

“It was kind of hard to go and ask people to put a box and keep my composure,” Borrego said, sadly. “But I’ll deal with it as best as I can.”

Hernandez is survived by her aunt, Julia, and her brother, Sergio, who live in Summit County. Her parents currently reside in Posa Rica, Mexico. The family set up a donation account through Wells Fargo Bank in Breckenridge, number 5169300034, under the name of Christina Martinez Hernandez.

“She lived with me. Today was one year since she came from Mexico,” Julia Hernandez said. “She spoke with me a lot. Every night, I would get back at 11, and she would talk to me for an hour.”

Julia Hernandez remembered her niece’s joy, her smile, her love for music and singing. She said that Christina Hernandez liked living in Breckenridge, quickly making friends and enjoying the winter snow.

“She loved living,” Borrego added.


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