Aurelio Martínez Laid to Rest; His Legacy Lives On

Garifuna musician Aurelio Martínez was laid to rest today in La Ceiba, Honduras.

Martinez tragically died in a plane crash on March 17, 2025. The Lanhsa Airlines Jetstream 41 aircraft, carrying 17 passengers, had just departed from Roatán Island en route to La Ceiba on the Honduran mainland when it veered sharply right and plunged into the Caribbean Sea. Martinez, who considered Belize his second home, had been in Roatán promoting an upcoming festival and had posted a promotional video on Facebook before the accident.

Cyril “Uruwei” Garcia, attended the funeral. Garcia described it as a profoundly sobering journey, filled with deep contemplation and a sense of unity among attendees.

Garcia observed that many travellers were visiting Honduras for the first time but were embraced by the community.

A poignant moment during the ceremonies involved Martínez’s 18-year-old son, Newani Martinez, who spontaneously played his father’s songs on the guitar during a boat ride. Garcia remarked that Newani is truly his father’s son, embodying his spirit and spontaneity.