Iowa Teen Dies in Fatal Cedar Rapids Car Crash
Early Monday morning on November 8, 2010, a fatal one-car crash occurred in southeast Cedar Rapids. Police say they responded to the scene around 1:30 a.m. in the 3300th block of Cottage Grove Avenue SE, just west of 34th Street SE. Authorities said the car had rolled over several times before coming to a rest.
There were four Cedar Rapids high school students in the car that crashed. Three of the teenagers received minor injuries and were treated at area hospitals. Sadly, one of the rear passengers sustained life-threatening injuries and was flown to an Iowa City hospital for medical care. Jose Mendoza, a 17-year-old teen, later died from his injuries at the hospital.
Police believe speed could have been a factor in this accident, as people tend to drive quickly over the hill where the accident occurred. Details surrounding this accident are still not clear; however, they do know that the driver lost control of the vehicle and the car rolled several times before striking a utility pole.
The front seat passenger Katie Opperman, 18, of Central City, was arrested for public intoxication and drinking under the legal age limit. Following the accident, police took her to Linn County Jail.
We are deeply saddened to hear of this tragic Cedar Rapids car crash, and we send our condolences to the family and friends of Jose Mendoza.
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