Local News
38-year-old Jose Rodriguez also known as “Freddy Mendoza,” killed in West Fargo vehicle vs. pedestrian crash
WEST FARGO, N.D. — Authorities have identified the pedestrian who was killed in an early morning crash in West Fargo as 38-year-old Jose Rodriguez, who was also known by the name “Freddy Mendoza.”
According to the North Dakota Highway Patrol, Rodriguez died after being struck by a vehicle around 2:45 a.m. Wednesday on 32nd Avenue South, just east of 9th Street in West Fargo.
Investigators said the vehicle involved in the fatal collision was driven by 25-year-old Carly Vizenor.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the crash was reported, but Rodriguez was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of his injuries.
Authorities stated that following the collision, Vizenor initially left the scene. However, investigators say she returned approximately 10 minutes later.
The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation as law enforcement officials continue gathering evidence and reviewing the events leading up to the deadly incident.
At this time, the Highway Patrol has not announced whether impairment, speed, or other factors may have contributed to the crash. Officials also confirmed that potential charges against Vizenor remain under review pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
The fatal crash prompted a significant response from emergency crews and investigators as authorities worked to process the scene and notify Rodriguez’s family.
Anyone with additional information related to the incident is encouraged to contact local law enforcement as the investigation continues.
Local News
29-Year-Old Alex Rodriguez Found Dead on University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, No Foul Play Suspected
URBANA, Ill. — A 29-year-old Champaign man found dead on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus Monday morning has been identified as Alex C. Rodriguez, according to the Champaign County Coroner’s Office.
The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) responded to the area of Green and Wright streets at approximately 6:42 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive person near the Alma Mater statue.
Officers arrived and found Rodriguez on a concrete bench. Emergency medical assistance was requested at the scene.
The Champaign County Coroner’s Office responded, and Rodriguez was pronounced dead at approximately 7:16 a.m., according to Coroner Laurie Brauer.
Authorities said Rodriguez was not affiliated with the University of Illinois.
UIPD provided an update Monday afternoon, saying preliminary observations at the scene revealed no signs of foul play.
Police also said there was no evidence of an ongoing threat to the university campus or surrounding community based on the information available when officers responded.
Because investigators did not identify an active threat, the university did not issue an Illini-Alert emergency notification.
The circumstances surrounding Rodriguez’s death have not been determined.
An autopsy has been scheduled, and the death remains under investigation by the University of Illinois Police Department.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances leading to Rodriguez’s death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected as investigators receive further information from the autopsy and other evidence.
No foul play has been indicated based on the preliminary investigation.