An Oxnard police officer was struck and killed by a big-rig Wednesday while he was riding his motorcycle on his way home.
Officer Nathan Martin, 45, was killed just before 4 p.m. in the 1200 block of East Third Street, a senior Oxnard police officer confirmed.
"It's a terrible and dark day for everyone here in the city of Oxnard,” Oxnard Police Chief Scott Whitney said. “He was a good man and he’s going to be missed.”
Martin was going home to Camarillo from the police station when a tractor trailer turned left in front of his motorcycle.
Martin leaves behind his wife and three children.
His wife “was just overwhelmed when she saw all the support from the officers,” Whitney said. “This is how we show we’re a family.”
Newschopper4 Alpha captured video from the procession Wednesday night. It's the first time the department has mourned an officer since 1996.
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Martin joined the department in 1999. Before his death, he was working at Hueneme High School as a reserve officer.
“The students at Hueneme High School loved him, the faculty loved him. We know that they’re going to take it hard tomorrow,” Whitney said.
Martin’s brother is also an Oxnard police officer. His best friends reportedly witnessed the crash, as they were driving behind him.
The California Highway Patrol was handling the death investigation, police said.
If you would like to donate to a GoFundMe account set up for Nathan Martin's family, you may do so here. Note that GoFundMe deducts 2.9 percent of all funds raised, plus 30 cents per donation, in the form of payment processing charges.
