SAN DIEGO — Funeral arrangements are underway for Austin Machitar, the San Diego Police Officer killed in a pursuit crash Monday night.
Machitar's partner, Zachary Martinez, remains in the ICU at Sharp Memorial Hospital in critical, but stable condition.
Police officials said he has severe injuries, including burns.
The San Diego Police Officer's Association has flown out Martinez's mother from Texas to be by his side.
“It's hard, it's really hard," said POA President Jared Wilson. Wilson says the entire department is reeling from Monday’s crash, and the significant loss of Machitar.
Machitar served as a mentor, often appearing in training videos and posters for the department.
The 30-year-old was a five-and-a-half-year veteran on the force who worked in the city's Northern Division. He had an infectious smile and passion to serve, following in the footsteps of his father.
"His father was a retired is a retired deputy Sheriff, and so he dedicated his life to public service, and we will not forget that," said Wilson.
Machitar, who is survived by his parents and sister, grew up in Chula Vista. He attended Otay Ranch High School, where he excelled in baseball.
Machitar's cousin told CBS 8 in a statement, "I love my cousin. He was an amazing man."
California Senator Steve Padilla also shared a statement about Machitar saying he had known him for years,
“Foremost, I had the honor of knowing the man that he was, but moreover, loved the person. He was warm, thoughtful, gentle, and kind. Austin had a bright, million-dollar smile that put everyone at ease. He was always willing to help and find ways to help.
I knew him in the dawn of his young adult life, when he was searching to find his calling, while never letting go of his youthful sense of adventure and zest for life. He found that calling as an officer for the San Diego Police Department and no doubt, he served with distinction. As Chief Wahl stated, ‘Our community has lost one of the good ones.’
I will never forget that earnest young man. I will always love and respect the brave hero he grew to be. My family and I, like our community, are heartbroken and we wrap our hearts in thought and prayer around his family.”
Machitar died Monday after a suspect involved in a prior chase slammed into his police SUV on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard.
As for Martinez, The 27-year-old is a Texas native, and Navy reservist who moved to San Diego for his military service. Though hopeful, police said he has a long road to recovery.
The police officer's association is raising funds as they help both families navigate this tragedy.
"And we're very lucky as a large organization to have a huge amount of community support and to be able to be there in times of crisis like this," said Wilson.
The crash and what caused it are both under investigation. Police have not named the suspect involved, who was also killed.
How to help
The San Diego Police Officers Association has set up a way to help the officers. The funds go to the SDPOA Foundation, which directly assists officers in times of need. The funds raised now will go to the family of the deceased officer and to the second officer.
Click here for more information.
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