AAU Basketball Star Jaylen Martinez, 13, Passes Away Leaving Behind His Parents, VCU Legend Joey Rodriguez, And Ciera Anai

Jaylen was set to attend Benedictine College Prep next year for his further education and career.

June 24, 2026

This article was last updated by Manoj Gadtaula on June 24, 2026

The VCU legend Joey Rodriguez’s son, Jaylen Martinez, tragically passed away on Monday.

Jaylen Martinez was one of the in the AAU basketball community.

Last year, Martinez led his team at Liberty Middle School to a county championship while averaging 27 points per game.

Wearing jersey #5, Martinez also played up for Rockit 13u and went crazy all weekend long at the ETC Virginia Showdown.

Jaylen had impressive leadership skills, played with great pace, finished through the cracks of the defense, had a crafty handle, knocked down threes, never stopped moving on the perimeter, and was skilled.

As per the VA Hoop Recruits’ official handle, Jaylen was set to attend Benedictine College Prep next year for his further education and career.

Joey Rodriguez’s Son Jaylen Martinez Passed Away At The Age Of 13

VCU legend Joey Rodriguez’s son, Jaylen Martinez, who played AAU basketball, took his last breath on Monday, June 23, 2026, at 13.

Some social media users that Jaylen died in a car accident, while some have suggested he shot himself during an accident.

WTVR CBS 6 News took to their official handle to announce the tragic death of Jaylen. They wrote,

Tragic. Jaylen Martinez, son of VCU basketball legend Joey Rodriguez, has died. Our thoughts are with Jaylen’s family during this time.

Tiffany S Hence, a Patrick Henry High School graduate, took to her Facebook handle and sent prayers to Jaylen’s family. She wrote,

Praying For My friends and their family💔 Lord keep your arms around them🫂

Richmond, Virginia resident Nikita Hill also her heartfelt condolences by stating,

Rest in paradise to this young man he was very respectful anytime I saw him always had a smile on his face prayers for his entire family precious life gone to soon LLLay 🕊️

Shaneka Reddick, who studied to be a medical assistant at South University, sent prayers to Jaylen’s family. She ,

My prayers are with the family and friends. Community. Lord have mercy. ♥️🏀

Other close relatives and family members have also extended their heartfelt condolences and sent prayers to Jaylen’s family, encouraging them to stay strong during this challenging time.

Jaylen will always be remembered for his unforgettable contribution as a basketball player for the Rockit basketball team.

His family will soon reveal the funeral service schedule. Rest in Peace, Jaylen Martinez.

Jaylen Martinez Is Survived By His Father, Joey, And His Mother, Ciera Anai

Born in 2012, Jaylen Martinez was raised by his father, Joey, and his mother, Ciera Anai. He had two sisters whose identities have not been revealed.

Recently, took to his social media handle and posted a photo of himself and Jaylen without any caption.

Joey is currently mourning the tragic death of his young son, Jaylen.

Jaylen was inspired by his father to play basketball. Joey is the assistant head coach for the FIU men’s basketball team.

Since in 2018, Rodriguez has helped elevate the program to new heights, guiding the Panthers to multiple winning seasons, a postseason tournament berth, and several program records.

A former standout point guard for VCU, Rodriguez played a significant role in the Rams’ run to the Final Four in 2011.

Following a professional playing career in Puerto Rico and Turkey, he transitioned into a coaching career, with stints at UCF, Benedictine, Rice, and VCY before arriving at FIU.

On the other hand, Jaylen’s , Ciera, has stayed out of the media spotlight, but she has always supported him in achieving his academic and athletic goals.

In Case You Didn’t Know

  • Jaylen’s father, Joey, worked for Rhoades as video coordinator at Conference USA foe Rice during the 2016-17 season, where he helped the Owls to an 11-win improvement and the school’s first 20-win season in more than a decade.
  • Joey Rodriguez went to Lake Howell High School and later studied Criminal Justice at Virginia Commonwealth University.
  • Check other Articles on

Rohit Maharjan is a skilled content writer and editor, known for his expertise in crafting engaging and informative written pieces. Beyond his professional work, Rohit is also a passionate musician, dedicating his free time to playing the guitar and creating melodious tunes.

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