ODESSA, Texas — On April 20, Hector Manuel Martinez-Olivas, a popular DJ from Odessa, his wife, Norma Estela Marquez-Gonzales and their 14-year-old son died in a head-on crash at the intersection of 42nd St. and FM 1936 in Ector County, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Tania Carmona, who is also a DJ at the Q108 FM radio station, arrived at the scene of the crash. Later that day, the tragic news broke out at the radio station.
"The people are going to miss him because he pleased every listener who asked him to play a song for them... that's something the people will not forget," Carmona said. "He never came in alone, he was always with his wife and their son.... he would DJ at events to play and his son would help him bring down the speakers and cables and so would his wife. They were a beautiful example of what it means to be a united family."
On Monday, the radio station dedicated a moment of silence in honor of the Martinez family at the hour when DJ Jony's show would air. According to Carmona, the station is saving his slots as they adjust to the reality of his absence.
Carmona said the beloved Odessa DJ will not only be remembered for his personality, but his unique phrases he came up with that his listeners know him by. Phrases such as "Arre Lulu," and even his radio personality name, DJ Jony.
The radio host had been in the business for nearly a decade. According to Carmona, he came up with the name DJ Jony on the whim. Carmona said Martinez had a creativeness that allowed him to flow with his words.
"We are telling our listeners to never forget him," Carmona said. "It's going to be a huge loss not being able to hear him anymore. He's in a better place resting with his family. Besides loving radio, he loves his family the most."
Fundraisers are being held across West Texas to raise money for the family's funeral expenses. The radio station is selling t-shirts with his phrase "Arre Lulu", while community members are selling food dishes and participating in car washes.
For more information, visit the Q 108 Radio Facebook page.