Second individual in crash that killed high school student was a former employee of New Bedford VocTech

Fall River Reporter has learned that the second individual identified in the crash that killed New Bedford teenager Jacob Pothier was a former employee of the school where Pothier attended.

After denying a request for an interview, Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School (GNBVT) Superintendent Michael Watson agreed to answer questions via email regarding Kathleen Martins, the second individual found at the scene of a car accident that killed Pothier on January 5th earlier this month.

Martins’ vehicle was found in the area of Gulf Road in Darthmouth, heavily damaged just after 10:30 PM. Both Pothier and Martins were found outside the vehicle unresponsive and were transported to St. Luke’s Hospital where Pothier was pronounced dead. It is unclear if Martins is still being treated.

Superintendent Watson replied to our requests for more information and confirmed that “Martins was employed as a security officer at GNBVT from August 23, 2021, until March 6, 2023, when she resigned.”

Questions surrounding Martins work history, including any complaints that were filed against Martins were not answered.

Watson stated that “Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech does not comment on individual personnel matters involving past or present employees.”

Fall River Reporter submitted a formal request for Martins’ complete personnel file as well as all emails related to Martins, under the Freedom of Information Act. On January 17th, we received correspondence from the law firm of Norris, Murray and Peloquin, LLC indicating they were representing GNBVT and their intention to fulfill the FOIA request in accordance with Massachusetts Public Records law.

The firm also attached a “good faith estimate” of $825.00 in order to complete the request. Fall River Reporter has appealed that amount to the Massachusetts Secretary of State’s office of public records.