Restaurants hold fundraiser for student killed in hit-and-run

A 13-year-old girl killed during a hit-and-run in September was honored by Denny’s restaurants across the El Paso area.

The diners organized a fundraiser for one night only with the proceeds benefiting Gissell Martinez. The locations — eight in El Paso, one in Anthony and one in Horizon — offered spaghetti, a beverage and a scoop of ice cream for $10.

All proceeds from the dinner will be given to Gissell Martinez’s family.

Some of those who were participating in the fundraiser didn’t necessarily know Gissell or her family.

“I’m just doing it because I have friends who passed away too,” said one patron. “Condolences to the family, and my sympathy and respect.”

ABC-7 learned that Gissell’s grandfather is a Denny’s employee.

Gissell, a student at Lincoln Middle School, was hit by a truck in the afternoon of Sept. 7 along the 5500 block of Montoya Drive in the Upper Valley.

She had been walking home with her younger brother at the time of the crash.

After spending several days in the hospital, Gissell was taken off life support.

Samuel Garcia, 17, was charged with accident involving death after turning himself in to police several days after the crash.

According to the El Paso police department, he fell asleep behind the wheel before he struck Martinez with his vehicle.