Fatal crash

Sheriff’s Department, EMS respond to Monday night crash on Allman Ave.

A Medford man is dead following a one-car crash that took place Monday, March 17.

According to Taylor County Sheriff Corey Dassow, at approximately 9:23 p.m., the sheriff’s dispatch center received a 911 call reporting a onevehicle crash near the address of W5259 Allman Ave. in the town of Medford. The caller reported the vehicle was occupied with an unconscious male.

According to Dassow, Taylor County Deputies, along with Medford Fire and EMS services were dispatched to the scene.

“Emergency responders found a white Chevrolet Traverse SUV with extensive damage in the eastbound lane of the roadway and a lone male occupant unresponsive inside the vehicle. The male driver was still seat belted in the vehicle and was obviously deceased,” Dassow stated.

The driver was identified as 34-yearold Rudy Rene Mendoza-Carranza of Medford.

According to Dassow, preliminary investigation indicates the Chevrolet SUV was traveling westbound on Allman Ave. at a high rate of speed when the SUV entered the south ditch, struck a tree, continued for a distance and struck a group of trees.

“Based on the preliminary investigation, it appears that speed was a factor contributing to the crash. There were not other occupants in the vehicle. This incident is still under investigation,” Dassow stated.