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One Dead in County Road 39 Crash

Police Tape | Accident | Crime

Four others were injured. Alcohol is not suspected to be a factor in the crash, Hillsborough deputies said.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – One man died Saturday (Dec. 15) in a single-vehicle crash on County Road 39, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said.

Joel Lopez Mendez, 26, died at the scene. Four others in the SUV were taken to Tampa General Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The crash happened about 12:15 a.m. on CR 39 south of Carter Road in Hillsborough County.

Deputies said five relatives were on their way home from fishing. Salvador Mendez Hernandez, 35, of Wimauma, Mr. Mendez’s cousin, was driving his 2012 Ford Expedition south on CR 39 when he drove off the off the west road edge and hit a mailbox. Hernandez lost control trying to return to the roadway. The Ford then slid on the wet pavement, and off the edge of the road where it hit a tree.

Mr. Mendez, who was in the left rear position in the SUV’s third row, was killed. He was wearing a seat belt.

Alcohol is not suspected to be a contributing factor in the crash.

Hillsborough Sheriff | County Road 39 Crash | Joel Lopez Mendez | Tampabay News

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