LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX NEWS) — A 19-year-old from Crescent Springs was killed in a hit-and-run crash on High Street early Sunday morning, according to officials. The driver has not been found.
The Fayette County Coroner's Office identified the victim as Chance Lee Martin, 19, of Crescent Springs, Kentucky.
Martin died at 4:35 a.m. Sunday, September 13, 2026, in the area of 601 E. High Street.
The coroner listed his cause of death as multiple blunt force traumatic injuries due to a motor vehicle collision.
According to the Lexington Police Department, officers were called to the 600 block of High Street around 4 a.m. for a hit-and-run call.
Officers arrived to find Martin dead. The driver fled the scene.
The collision reconstruction unit is now investigating the crash.
Friends gathered at the location hours after the crash to remember Martin.
Chris Loredo, whose son counted Martin as his best friend, described the kind of person he was.
"He would always be willing to help, he'd come over and wanna do chores, be part of it right with my sons," Loredo said. "He was just grateful for every opportunity he was given."
Justin Hill, another close friend, said he first met Martin at an afterschool program. The two attended two Catholic schools together in Northern Kentucky.
"We went to the same high school together freshman, sophomore, junior, year, we were good friends, played football with each other, that's just been my guy ever since, love him to death," Hill said.
Hill said Martin had a gift for lifting the spirits of everyone around him.
"He just really was a good person man, it would have been so easy to like him, you would've loved him, I promise," Hill said.
Loredo echoed that sentiment.
"He would always give you the shirt off his back," Loredo said.
Hill said he hopes the investigation brings accountability.
"I just really hope that justice can be brought upon because this is not right, not right at all," Hill said.
Holy Cross High School Principal Rob Knox released a statement about Martin's death.
"We are heartbroken by the unexpected death of Chance Martin, a beloved former Holy Cross football player and alumnus of the Class of 2025, who passed away last night in Lexington.
Chance was known to us as one of the kindest and gentlest souls — someone whose presence made the world a little better. Our hearts and prayers are with his family, his friends, his teammates, his classmates, and all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.
As the Holy Cross community grieves this profound loss, we ask for prayers for Chance’s family and for all those mourning his death. We also ask that the privacy of his family and our school community be respected during our grief.
Father Jeff VonLehmen will lead a private prayer service for the Holy Cross District High School community this afternoon. Counselors are available for students who need support.
While our Holy Cross family is hurting, we place our trust in the love and mercy of our Heavenly Father and hold Chance and all who loved him close in prayer."
Police are asking anyone with information about the crash to come forward.
A fundraiser has been established to support Chance's family: Fundraiser by Abbigail Berner : Standing with Chance’s Father After This Tragedy
This is a developing story, so check back with LEX18.com for updates. Email the LEX18 Newsroom if you have info, photos or videos to share.
Facebook 
TikTok 
YouTube
Instagram
Threads
XThis story was initially reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
