City of Columbia Missouri Police Department

600 E. Walnut Street
Columbia, MO 65201

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 7, 2013

CONTACT: Officer Scott Wilson
Columbia Police, Traffic Unit
573-874-7306

Fatality Accident On Mexico Gravel Road

(COLUMBIA, MO) -

TYPE OF INCIDENT: Fatality Accident

CASE#: 2013063551/2013-003614

DATE & TIME OCCURRED: 04/07/13 @ 0219 hours              

         

ACCIDENT LOCATION:   4211 Mexico Gravel Rd                

DRIVER:            Rodolfo Rodriguez                                

                             4901 Aztec Blvd, Apt. 40                                          

                             Columbia, MO 65202                             

                             Age: 25

                             Injured: Fatal

PASSENGER:    Dante V. Jones

                             1404 Sir Barton Dr

                             Columbia, MO 65202

                             Age: 24

                             Injured: Yes      

INCIDENT DETAILS:

                        The crash occurred as vehicle #1, a gray-colored 2008 Mazda RX-8, was traveling westbound on Mexico Gravel Rd near the 4200 Block. The vehicle left the roadway on the right during the curve and collided with a raised concrete water drain on the northern part of the roadway in front of the residence at 4211 Mexico Gravel Rd. This collision caused the vehicle to vault and become airborne, collide with a dirt embankment, and proceed to vault and become airborne a second time. While still airborne, the vehicle struck a large tree approximately 15-20 feet above ground level before coming to final rest in the grass facing

 

southbound just north of the roadway. Both the driver, Rodriguez, and passenger, Jones, were ejected from the vehicle during the airborne event. They were both wearing a seatbelt, although the seats were reclined in such an extreme manner, that they failed to secure the occupants. Jones was transported by EMS from the scene for moderate injuries, and remains at University Hospital at the time of this release in stable condition. Rodriguez was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash as a result of serious injuries sustained in the crash. There were no other vehicles involved.



City of Columbia Vision
Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.

City of Columbia Mission
To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.

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