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Family, friends mourn 2-year-old boy who died in septic tank

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Friends, family and supporters may attend a wake for Luis Martinez from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday in the sanctuary of Nativity Catholic Church in Brandon.

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By JOSÉ PATIÑO GIRONA | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 1, 2009

Updated: 12/04/2009 05:35 am

At the end of Thursday's wake, Juan Martinez and his wife, Rosalina Ramirez, stood in front of the open casket where their 2-year-old son lay.

Immediately, more than 100 people formed a row behind them in a show of unity and respect.

Each person then walked to the casket and took a moment to honor little Luis Martinez, who was found dead Saturday afternoon after falling into an open septic tank in the Valrico mobile home park where he lived with his parents.

The wake brought family, friends and strangers to Nativity Catholic Church in Brandon.

Anthony Abramson of Valrico said he had spoken to the parents to offer his condolences.

Abramson and his wife, Arlene, assisted in the search for Luis. They started a vigil and on Thursday gave the family a memorial plaque of the boy.

"It's just hard seeing him in the casket like that," Anthony Abramson said after the wake.

Ilumninada Pacheco didn't know the family, but felt compelled to visit them after seeing news stories. Pacheco, 73, said she couldn't fathom the parents' pain.

"It's a sad situation," Pacheco said. "And it's something terrible that has happened to a boy who is 2 years old."

Parents Juan Martinez and Rosalina Ramirez sat to the left of the casket. At times, she rested her head on her husband's shoulder.

Afterward, Martinez said it has been difficult and his family was trying their best to confront the circumstances. He was thankful for the support they had received.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 3:30 p.m. today at Nativity Catholic Church in Brandon.

Luis, who was born in Fort Myers, will be buried in Mexico, the family said.

Reporter José Patiño Girona can be reached at (813) 259-7659.

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