2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26101355D

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 127

Offered February 11, 2026

Celebrating the life of Jaylen Martinez.

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Patrons—McClure, Fowler, Carr, Cousins, McQuinn and Sewell

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WHEREAS, Jaylen Martinez, a gifted young athlete, beloved son, and cherished member of the Hanover County community, whose empathy and enthusiasm brightened countless lives, died on June 23, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Jaylen Martinez showed a passion and aptitude for basketball from a young age, regularly earning most valuable player honors as well as invitations to prestigious training camps; and

WHEREAS, in his eighth grade season, Jaylen Martinez led Liberty Middle School in Hanover County to a 9–1 record and a county championship while becoming one of the leading scorers for middle school basketball across the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, in addition to playing for his school, Jaylen Martinez also played for Rockit Basketball in Richmond and the nationally ranked Under Armour team out of Alabama, “All In Go Crazy”; and

WHEREAS, Jaylen Martinez was planning to play basketball at Benedictine College Preparatory in Goochland County starting in the fall of 2025 and had dreams of one day playing Division I college basketball; and

WHEREAS, Jaylen Martinez demonstrated great humility and selflessness in his life, always going out of his way to help others in need and to mentor and support younger athletes; and

WHEREAS, Jaylen Martinez will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his mother, Ciera; his father; his grandparents, David and Anita; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Jaylen Martinez, a treasured member of the Hanover County community whose kindness, generosity, and drive inspired all who knew him; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Jaylen Martinez as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.