Sports Journalism loses one of its greats: The death of Julio Martínez

To see international photos, click here

SANTIAGO.- Julio Martínez fought against prostate cancer for twelve years and spent months trying to ward off various health problems until he could finally muster no more effort.

The sports commentator had been admitted to the Clínica Indisa medical center on Thursday due to an unspecified general infection. Martínez was released however, on the 31st of December so he could spend the New Year's holiday at home.

It was the third time during the year that Martínez had been admitted to the clinic. He was also hospitalized on November 3rd due to a case of bilateral bronchial pneumonia that had been aggravated by respiratory and cardiovascular failures. His condition became so serious that the journalist was deemed "terminal" and was even read his Last Rites.

Previously (on September 4th), he had been hospitalized for respiratory complications caused by a fire that affected the building he was living in.

Julio Martínez was married to Norma González, having one son (from a previous relationship) and one daughter. Martínez led a very prestigious career, to the point of receiving the National Journalism Award in 1995.