An Apple Valley man died following a collision between an all-terrain vehicle and an SUV on Sunday afternoon, authorities said.
The deadly crash took place about 5 p.m. on Oct. 12 at Navajo Road and Ottawa Road, according to San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department logs.
“An SUV and a quad were involved in a traffic collision, and both were found on their side,” agency spokeswoman Gloria Orejel said.
The rider of the ATV was taken to a hospital with major injuries, where he ultimately died, she said.
Coroner’s officials identified the victim as Juan Rodriguez Mendoza, 40, of Apple Valley.
Three people who had been inside the SUV were taken to hospitals as a precaution, Orejel said.
Preliminary investigation revealed Rodriguez Mendoza was headed west on Ottawa Road on a 2002 Yamaha YFM660 prior to the crash, while a 2016 Honda CR-V was traveling south on Navajo Road, according to a sheriff’s department statement.
The ATV “continued westbound across Navajo Road from the stop sign and drove into the Honda’s lane of travel,” the statement said. “The Honda broadsided the Yamaha which caused Rodriguez Mendoza to be ejected.”
Father of five
Rodriguez Mendoza, also known as “Tony,” left behind a wife and five children, according to statement accompanying an online fundraiser established to help his family.
He enjoyed riding his ATV every weekend, according
“He was taken from us too young, leaving behind 5 kids and his partner to be a widow,” the statement said. “Tony was always dancing and having a good time with his family. At this time, we are asking for any help to help his kids and family lay him to rest.”
Rodriguez Mendoza enjoyed riding his ATV every weekend, loved ones added.
Any witnesses, or anyone with information, can reach the Apple Valley Police Department at (760) 240-7400. Information may also be provided anonymously to the We-Tip hotline at (800) 782-7463.
(This story has been updated with additional information.)
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Apple Valley dad of 5 ‘taken from us too young’ killed in collision between ATV, SUV
Reporting by Brian Day, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
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