CARTHAGE, Mo. — A devastating crash in Carthage on Tuesday afternoon has left one man dead and his wife critically injured after a suspected drunk driver blew through a stop sign, causing a violent three-vehicle collision. Authorities identified the victim as 76-year-old Gale Wade of Carthage.
According to the Carthage Police Department, the crash occurred around 3:00 p.m. at the intersection of Oak Street and McGregor Avenue. Investigators said Mark Mendez-Hernandez, a repeat DWI offender, was driving a black pickup truck southbound on McGregor when he failed to stop at a stop sign. His vehicle struck an eastbound SUV carrying Gale Wade and his wife, sending their vehicle into a gray pickup truck that was waiting at the northbound stop sign.
The impact was catastrophic. Emergency crews rushed to the scene, but Gale Wade was pronounced dead shortly after the collision. His wife suffered life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to a hospital in Springfield for emergency treatment. The driver of the third vehicle sustained only minor injuries. Authorities said alcohol is believed to have been a major factor in the crash.
Following the collision, Mendez-Hernandez reportedly attempted to flee on foot, but local residents who witnessed the crash chased and detained him several blocks away until police arrived. He was arrested at the scene and taken into custody. Police confirmed he is being held on pending charges of driving while intoxicated involving death, manslaughter, and potentially additional offenses, though formal charges have not yet been filed.
The intersection remained closed for more than five hours as the state crash reconstruction team worked to piece together the sequence of events. Investigators collected debris, measured skid marks, and reviewed witness statements to determine the full circumstances of the crash. Officials said their findings will be forwarded to the Jasper County Prosecutor’s Office once complete.
The Carthage community has been left heartbroken by the tragedy. Neighbors and local officials expressed outrage that a repeat drunk driver caused such devastation. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of impaired driving, as well as the power of community action — both in preventing further harm and helping law enforcement bring suspects to justice.