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The absence of seat belts proved fatal when a routine Sunday drive turned into a deadly crash that ejected three men from their burning vehicle Michael Mendez Mendez, 36, lost his life when the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt he was riding in struck a utility pole on Wright County R-38 near Clarion at 7:19 p.m. The chain of events began when the passenger side of the car slipped off the road edge, prompting 24-year-old driver Josue Castanon Coronado to overcorrect the steering wheel.

The tragic crash unfolded in a matter of seconds, when a desperate maneuver caused the vehicle to spin violently out of control. Witnesses reported the car veering off the roadway, slamming into a utility pole before plowing into a nearby **cornfield**, where it **erupted in flames** almost immediately. The force of the collision was so severe that all three occupants were ejected from the vehicle upon impact, leaving a devastating scene of wreckage and chaos.

Authorities confirmed that **Michael** was tragically pronounced dead at the scene, his life cut short in an instant. His passing has left his family, friends, and community struggling to comprehend the sudden loss of someone so deeply cherished. Alongside him were **Coronado** and **Antoni Emmanuel Castanone Coronado, 20**, 

who both survived but sustained injuries that required hospitalization. Their conditions remain under close medical care, as loved ones anxiously await updates.Emergency crews worked urgently to extinguish the flames and tend to the victims, while investigators began piecing together the sequence of events that led to the fatal crash. 

Officials are examining speed, road conditions, and other contributing factors in an effort to provide clarity and accountability for the tragedy.As word of Michael’s death spread, heartfelt tributes poured in, remembering him as a beloved son, friend, and member of his community. His sudden passing has left an irreplaceable emptiness, particularly for those who knew his kindness and spirit.

While Coronado and Antoni continue their recovery, the loss of Michael underscores the fragility of life and the devastating consequences of one fateful moment on the road. Community members are rallying in support of the grieving family, offering prayers, condolences, and hope for healing in the difficult days ahead.