July 10, 2024

Dear Brophy Community,

It is with shock and deep sorrow that I write to inform you of the sudden and unexpected passing of our beloved college counselor and devoted Kairos leader, Gil Martinez. Mr. Martinez passed away this morning and leaves behind a legacy of dedication, compassion and unwavering commitment to our students as a mentor and an advocate. While we don’t yet know the cause of his death, I had the privilege of spending some of the last 24 hours with Mr. Martinez and can share some information.

Yesterday, Mr. Martinez underwent arthroscopic surgery on his knee. I took him to and from his procedure and visited him last night to check in on him. All indications were that his procedure went well, and we reminisced about many of his former students. Having arranged for meals to be delivered to him by Brophy staff during his recovery, Mirela Conner was the first to check in on him this morning. She said he was in good spirits and awaiting the start of the new school year. Shortly thereafter, Chris White went to check on him and found him unresponsive. Mr. White immediately administered CPR and called the paramedics, but sadly they were unable to revive him.

Mr. Martinez would have celebrated his 10-year anniversary at Brophy on the 28th of this month. When I was with him yesterday, he told me how fortunate he was to spend his days with our students, saying, “This is what I was called to do.” Having served as a guiding light for our students, helping them navigate the often complex journey toward higher education, Mr. Martinez was also moderator of Brophy Student Theatre and a founding moderator of Dignity. His expertise, patience and genuine care touched countless students’ lives. As a devoted leader of our Kairos program, Mr. Martinez inspired many with his faith, wisdom and boundless optimism.

As we begin to come to terms with this profound loss, we will hold a prayer service tonight in the Brophy chapel from 5 to 6 p.m. This Sunday, July 14, at 10 a.m., Fr. Bill Muller, S.J., will hold a celebratory mass for Mr. Martinez in the Brophy Chapel.

We understand that this news may be difficult for many to process. Be mindful of the resources our Student Assistance Program has to offer. Also, Care Solace is available to all employees, students and their family members. For anyone who needs to speak with someone, we encourage you to contact our Dean of Student Support Services, Austin Pidgeon, at apidgeon@brophyprep.org.

Details regarding the transitional period for current students of Mr. Martinez will be shared as soon as they are available. In the meantime, please keep his family, friends and all those affected by his passing in your thoughts and prayers.

Mr. Martinez’s legacy will forever remain a part of our school community. Let us come together in this time of grief to support one another and honor the remarkable contributions he made to so many at Brophy.

With deepest sympathy,

President, Brophy College Preparatory