Glenrock community gathers to honor 17-year-old athlete Kristian Martin

Kristian Martin died Tuesday at age 17 in a vehicle crash in Glenrock. The Wyoming Highway Patrol has not yet released specific details about the wreck as of Thursday. The teenager was a student at Glenrock High School and competed in wrestling and football for the local teams.

Martin played football for the Glenrock Herders, where he wore jersey number 23. He also wrestled for Glenrock USA Wrestling Club in the 144-pound division. His obituary notes that he enjoyed track, cars, trucks, and spending time outdoors. His family knew him by the nickname Frodo, the only boy among six siblings.

Glenrock USA Wrestling Club described Martin as a valuable teammate whose personality made the wrestling room better. The club stated that he was the kind of athlete coaches genuinely enjoyed having present. They noted that young wrestlers teach coaches about hard work and character in return. The club emphasized that Martin was part of their wrestling family beyond just competition.

The community began organizing events to support Martin’s family. A gathering was held in the Glenrock wrestling room on Wednesday evening. Anyone who wanted to share memories or offer support could attend. The club’s announcement invited neighbors, classmates, and friends to remember Martin’s impact on the community.

A benefit dart tournament is scheduled for Dec. 5 at the Cowboy State Brewery, also known as 4 Aces, in Glenrock. The event aims to raise money for funeral expenses. The entry fee is $20, with proceeds split evenly between a prize pot and the family’s costs. A silent auction is also planned, with organizers accepting items and sponsorships at the brewery. Non-players are welcome to visit, donate, or share memories.

Some local parents expressed frustration over how they learned of the death. One Glenrock mother, who asked not to be identified, said her daughter learned the news from crying classmates rather than a school announcement. She stated that administrators did not send a direct message to parents as of Wednesday. Another parent, Katie Faria, learned of the death from other parents and social media groups.

Faria said she understood administrators might need time to arrange resources. However, she believed parents should receive a simple loss and grief statement. She noted that small-town news travels quickly, but some parents might not realize what their children are experiencing at school. She asked how parents can support their kids if they remain uninformed about a classmate's death.

A celebration of life is set for 11 a.m. Saturday in the Glenrock High gymnasium. Donations toward funeral expenses can be made payable to Martin’s grandmother, Donna Southwick, and dropped off at the high school. His obituary requests that memorial contributions go to the school’s football and wrestling programs in lieu of flowers.