A Maine high school wrestling champion has died after a weekend motorcycle crash in Virginia.
Jake Martel, 25, of Lebanon was riding on a motorcycle with another person on Garth Road in Albemarle County about 1:38 a.m. Sunday when they crashed, according to the Albemarle County Police Department.
Martel and the other rider were taken to the University of Virginia Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The other rider hasn’t been identified.
Martel was a 2017 graduate of Nobleboro High School, where he finished third in his class.
In addition to his academic success, Martel was a standout wrestler, who won three state medals, was the 2016 state champion and 2017 state runner-up, the wrestling program said in a memorial social media post.
During his career, Martel racked up 181 wins. He served as team captain his senior year and represented Team Maine in 2016 in Fargo, North Dakota.
Martel graduated from the University of Virginia, where he earned bachelor’s degrees in kinesiology and psychology.
“We are absolutely heartbroken by this tragedy and we offer our sincerest condolences to his family and friends as they navigate this difficult time,” the Nobleboro wrestling program said in the memorial post.
The crash remains under investigation.
