Demaris D. Martinez, a 28-year-old social media influencer from Hillsdale, New Jersey, died in a tragic accident in the early hours of Saturday morning, September 21, 2024. Martinez, who had amassed nearly 50,000 followers on Facebook, was hit by two vehicles while attempting to cross Route 17 in Paramus, New Jersey. According to police, the incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. as Martinez tried to cross the busy highway.

Investigators reported that Martinez was first struck by a white Kia driven by a 42-year-old man. She was then hit again by a tractor-trailer driven by a 65-year-old man. Despite the drivers’ attempts to avoid her, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Local authorities, including the Bergen County Sheriff’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation, are investigating the incident. According to police statements, no charges have been filed against the drivers involved.

Martinez was well-known for her content on beauty, lifestyle, travel, and her Christian faith. Recently, she began creating YouTube videos with her young son, Kameron. Just days before the accident, she shared videos of herself dancing on her TikTok page, showing her usual vibrant personality.

Her fans were heartbroken upon hearing the news of her death, flooding her social media pages with messages of sympathy. One follower wrote, “Demaris. Damn fly high baby girl,” while another added, “Rest in peace Demaris, will always remember your big smile at church.”

Tributes poured in from those who knew her through her online presence and those who had followed her journey. One fan commented, “You got me lost for words girl,” while another said, “We’ll miss you love Demaris D. Martinez.” Her social media content, which often focused on sharing her life, dreams, and experiences, resonated with thousands of people across various platforms.

Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Martinez had openly shared her struggles with her audience. In a heartfelt post earlier this year, she revealed that she had been a victim of domestic abuse, courageously sharing images of her bruised body. Her faith in God, credited with helping her overcome these obstacles, was a central theme in her online content. 

Martinez also disclosed that she had been working towards becoming an attorney, studying law while juggling her responsibilities as a mother and influencer. In a YouTube video posted seven months ago, she shared her aspirations: “I will be one of the world’s greatest lawyers one day.” 

According to Paramus Police Chief Robert M. Guidetti, detectives are still investigating how she ended up near a Citibank branch, located at 700 State Highway 17 North. The police have urged anyone with information about Martinez’s whereabouts before the accident to contact them.