The Coroner’s Office has identified the victim of a personal water craft accident as Melvin Mendez, 25, of Mendota.  The cause of his death is pending the results of a toxicology test.

On Sunday, March 27th, an emergency medical services team responded to a campground located at 30440 W. Whitesbridge Ave. in Mendota.  There was a report of a collision between two people riding personal water crafts (aka WaveRunners) in an arm of the San Joaquin River known as Mendota Slough.  Members of the Fresno County Sheriff’s Boating Enforcement Unit were later notified and began an investigation.  The preliminary investigation shows Mendez was riding his personal water craft (PWC) and made an unsafe turn into the path of another PWC in the area.  This rider could not stop and inadvertently struck Mendez.  Witnesses helped get Mendez out of the water and over to the shore, which is when they called for an ambulance.  EMS took him to the hospital where he later died.  Mendez was wearing a life jacket, however, the impact caused injuries which proved to be too severe.

This is an ongoing investigation.  Members of the Crime Scene Unit have collected evidence for processing.  Detectives have interviewed the young man who struck the victim and he has been cooperative.  He and Mendez did not know each other.  If you were a witness to this crash or have any other information regarding this case, please contact Sgt. Rob Dutrow at (559) 600-8166. 

With summer around the corner, the Sheriff’s Office would like to emphasize the importance of making smart, safe decisions while doing water activities.  If you are operating a boat or personal water craft, do so in a responsible manner and follow the rules of the waterway.  Take simple precautions such as:  Wear a life jacket, stay close to shore if you’re not an experienced swimmer and do not mix alcohol and swimming.  Alcohol causes swimmers to fatigue faster than normal and can create dangerous situations.