ST. LUCIE COUNTY — Anthony Martin, a 16-year-old who reportedly lost his life in a horrific Black Friday crash that also killed four of his…
ST. LUCIE COUNTY — Anthony Martin, a 16-year-old who reportedly lost his life in a horrific Black Friday crash that also killed four of his friends, was remembered by family and friends as a talented bowler, full of joy and bursting with potential.
« He was a lovely, caring person. He loved to smile, he loved to bowl and he loved his music, » his grandmother Nancy Yearby said.
Anthony was in the 11th grade at Fort Pierce Westwood High School. He bowled at Saint Lucie Lanes, 6759 S. U. S., starting at the age of four.
« He just loved it, » Yearby said. « And I kept continuing to take him. »
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Anthony spent at least every Tuesday and Saturday at the bowling alley, but would sometimes show up every day of the week.
« He wanted to go take up bowling after graduating, » Yearby said.
He made the all-area first team as a freshman and had an 817 three-game series in 2017. Reaching 800 in three sets is considered one of the most difficult and prestigious accomplishments in the sport.
« He truly loved being here, » said Midge McArdle, youth director at Saint Lucie Lanes. « It’s a tight-knit group. We’re family. »
Anthony was raised primarily by his grandmother.
« As he got older, he developed into a very nice young man. She did a great job with him, » said Bill Ronayne, who also works at the bowling alley.
« It’s a very hard thing to hear, » McArdle said, tearing up as she recalled the phone call she received from Yearby with the tragic news.
