GoFundMe Launched for Chito Martinez’s Funeral Costs

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist the family of Chito Martinez, the first and only Major League Baseball player born in Belize, following his death on Sunday, 20 April, at the age of 59.

Martinez passed away at his home in Lake Cormorant, Mississippi, after a series of recent hospitalisations. The cause of death has not been officially released, but according to the GoFundMe page, he had suffered a heart attack.

Ramiro Cortes, a close friend who organised the fundraiser, described Martinez as “a great friend who would give you the shirt off his back” and appealed for support to ease the financial burden on his widow.

“I have started this GoFundMe to help his widow with funeral and other expenses she will incur in the immediate future,” he said. “I ask that you search your heart for anything you can provide. Even prayers for God’s peace. It will bring great comfort in knowing that it will be one less thing she will have to deal with.”

Martinez’s funeral will be held Friday, 25 April, at Coleman Funeral Home in Southaven.