10/20/2009 4:28:00 PM Pedestrian killed in Verde Village
VERDE VILLAGE - A Cottonwood man was killed when he walked in front of an SUV on SR 260 near Western Drive Sunday night shortly after 7 p.m.
Camp Verde fire units responded to the fatality, since Verde Valley Fire Crews had already been dispatched to a serious rollover north of Bridgeport.
Crews found the patient in the middle of the median and bystanders had already begun CPR. Witnesses reported that the man, who had been in a nearby tavern earlier, had come from the road shoulder attempting to cross the road and was struck by a full-sized 1991 GMC SUV. The driver reportedly had attempted to break when he saw the pedestrian in the road.
The man killed in the accident is identified as Ralph Mendez, 53.
Posted: Friday, October 30, 2009
Article comment by:
Matt Dimon
My name is Matthew. Ralph taught me almost everything I know about carpentry. He taught me to shave the wooden handle of my hammer to prevent blistering. I picture him showing me as I still do it today.
I have not seen Ralph in about 2 years since one of my visits to see family in which resides in the Temecula area.
I will always love him. He is not only my idol in the field of carpentry, but also a never forgotten grandfather to my son Tyler who lives out in the Temecula area with his mother and family. My sons mother is Ralphs 2nd daughter, Kimberly.
She has seen too much death in the past few years of her life. I cannot even call her to send my condolences. It pains me to hear her cry... he was like a father to me too. His love for his family went beyond what words could describe. His little (so, your the hot-rod who's dating my 14 year old daughter who likes riding in your car more than she likes going to school) chit chat turned into a true friendship... instant family, just add something to build and a cold one or a ride with the wind in your face. We had camped together in every camp sight from Azusa canyon to Lytle creek in a matter of a few months. We had nothing of money value but our vehicles and blankets and cookware. Didn't matter... we had all we wanted and needed right there with us the whole way. Ralph, his wife and 3 kids... then there was me too. It was a time I will always remember.
Ralph also inspired me to purchase my first motorcycle. I had to feel what he was talking about when he spoke of riding a motorcycle.
GOD BLESS YOU, FRIEND. No bad jokes up there ok? Those were just for us.
I hope you get this soon. stay in touch, ok buddy? See-ya man .....
Posted: Friday, October 23, 2009
Article comment by:
Rebeckah
Ralph... What a funny and outgoing person. Singing "Hotel California" with him was a pleasure. California beach bolt! Your memory will forever live! Thank you Ralph! My prayers are with your family! You will be missed!
Posted: Thursday, October 22, 2009
Article comment by:
Kim Wallace
I am Kim Mendez his daughter and I thank you for recognizing that he is a person with family and not just a patient or some one dead in the street. this is an awful accident for everyone involved. and we will surely love and miss him dearly. his grieving daughter Kim Mendez.
Posted: Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Article comment by:
Don Hansen
Let's try again with this reporting: Is he considered a "patient" when he is lying dead in the street? One can be a "victim" of an accident. Oh, and it is "brake" not "break"
Posted: Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Article comment by:
No name provided
when something as this happens can you provide some obituary info about the person who has passed on? In this instance, Can we know more of Ralph Mendez and what he did in his life?
