WEBSTER CITY, Iowa – A tragic single-vehicle accident in rural Wright County on Sunday night has claimed the life of a Webster City man. The Iowa State Patrol has identified the deceased as 36-year-old Michael Mendez Mendez, who was a passenger in a car that crashed and caught fire south of Clarion.
According to official reports, the accident occurred along Wright County Road R-38, approximately eight miles south of Clarion, at around 9:30 p.m. on Sunday. Mendez was traveling in a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt driven by Antoni Castanon Coronado, whose address has not yet been confirmed by authorities.
The Iowa State Patrol said the vehicle was heading southbound when the passenger side wheels dropped off the edge of the roadway. In an attempt to recover, the driver overcorrected, which caused the vehicle to veer out of control. The car then struck a utility pole before continuing into a nearby cornfield, where it erupted into flames shortly after impact.
Michael Mendez Mendez was pronounced dead at the scene, despite the swift response of emergency personnel. The severity of the impact and the subsequent fire made any rescue efforts difficult. He is being remembered by friends and family as a kind-hearted and humble man who was taken far too soon.
The driver, Antoni Castanon Coronado, and a second passenger, Josue Castanon Coronado, sustained injuries in the crash. Both were transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. The extent of their injuries has not been publicly released at this time, but authorities have confirmed that both individuals survived the crash.
Emergency responders from both the Clarion and Eagle Grove Fire and Ambulance Departments arrived on the scene shortly after the accident was reported. They assisted in extinguishing the blaze and providing aid to the injured. The scene was described by first responders as both chaotic and devastating, underscoring the violent nature of the crash.
As of Monday, the Iowa State Patrol continues to investigate the incident, with attention focused on the cause of the initial roadway departure and any contributing factors, such as speed, road conditions, or impairment. No citations or charges have been announced at this stage of the investigation.
Michael Mendez Mendez’s death marks a heartbreaking loss for his family and the Webster City community. Tributes are already being shared on social media, as those who knew him remember a man with a gentle demeanor, a strong work ethic, and a warm smile. His sudden and tragic passing has left loved ones in shock and mourning.
Funeral arrangements for Mendez are pending and will be announced by the family in the coming days.
The Iowa State Patrol is urging all drivers to use extra caution on rural roads, especially after dark. Overcorrection remains one of the leading causes of single-vehicle crashes in Iowa, and officials stress the importance of maintaining control and pulling over safely if a vehicle leaves the roadway.
This is a developing story. Additional details will be released as the investigation continues.