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<p style="font-weight:bold; display: inline; line-height:150%; font-size: 115%;">600 E. Walnut Street
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Columbia, MO 65201</p></div>
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<p style="font-size: 150%; font-weight: bold;">COMMUNITY INFORMATION</p>
<p style="font-size: 120%; margin-top: -5px; font-weight:bold;">October 2, 2023</p>
<p style="float:right; font-weight:bold; margin-bottom: 25px; font-size: 100%; text-align:right;">CONTACT: Christian Tabak
<br />Public Information Specialist
<br />Columbia Police Department
<br />City of Columbia
<br />573.289.9516
<br />policepio@CoMo.gov
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<br />Toni Messina
<br />Communications and Outreach Supervisor
<br />Columbia Police Department
<br />City of Columbia
<br />573.874.7660
<br />policepio@CoMo.gov</p>
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<div style="font-size: 110%; line-height:150%;"><h1 style="clear:both; margin-top: 75px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 130%;">Columbia Police announce second fatality in connection to September fatality crash in the area of Stadium Boulevard and West Boulevard, Oct. 2</h1>
<div class="content"><span style="padding-left: 50px;">(COLUMBIA, MO)</span> - Columbia Police regret to announce a second fatality has occurred in connection to the fatality crash that happened Sept. 26 in the area of Stadium Boulevard and West Boulevard.<br /><br />Jesus Celestino Mendoza-Chavez, 48, of Columbia, succumbed to his injuries after being transported to the hospital in critical condition on Sept. 26. Next of kin has been notified. Columbia Police extend their condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Mendoza-Chavez.<br /><br />At approximately 11:10 p.m. on Sept. 26 Columbia Police were dispatched to the area of Stadium Boulevard near West Boulevard for a reported traffic collision. Upon arrival, officers learned that the collision involved two vehicles. <br /><br />Through their investigation, CPD’s Traffic Unit determined that a 2011 GMC Sierra was traveling west on Stadium Boulevard near West Boulevard as a 2014 Mazda CX5 was traveling east. The GMC
crossed into the eastbound lane, resulting in a head-on collision. <br /><br />The drivers were extricated from their vehicles and transported by EMS to a local hospital in critical condition. Unfortunately, the driver of the Mazda, John. D. Searle, 64, of Columbia, later succumbed to his injuries. Mr. Searle had been wearing his seatbelt while Mr. Mendoza-Chavez, the driver of the GMC, had not.<br /><br />This is an ongoing investigation and more information may be available at a later time. CPD thanks the Columbia Fire Department and our EMS partners for their assistance in responding to this scene.<br /><br />Columbia Police ask that community members take every precaution and drive safely to protect themselves and others. Always obey traffic signals, buckle your seatbelt, keep your phone down and keep your eyes on the road. <br /><br />If you see anyone driving erratically or dangerously, either pull off the road to call or have a passenger call 911. Our thanks to everyon
e who helps keep our community safe.<br /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Case number 2023-009005</strong></div>
<br />Previous releases:<br /><br /><strong>Columbia Police investigate fatality crash in the area of Stadium Boulevard and West Boulevard, Sept. 26<br /><br /></strong>https://www.como.gov/CMS/pressreleases/view.php?id=8564</div>
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<div style="margin-top: 15px; margin-bottom: 20px; text-align:center;"><p>City of Columbia Vision<br>
<em>Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.</em></p>
<p>City of Columbia Mission<br>
<em>To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.</em></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p>
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