Mobile County, Ala. – A tragic traffic accident claimed the life of Jose L. Mendez, 41, a resident of Batesville, Texas, on Wednesday evening. According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Mendez was operating a 2019 Freightliner Cascadia semi‑truck on Interstate 65 when the vehicle left the roadway near the 17‑mile marker, about two miles south of Satsuma.
Accident details
At approximately 6:38 p.m., the semi‑truck veered off the highway and collided with a tree. First‑responders pronounced Mendez deceased at the scene. No other vehicles were reported to be involved, and there were no injuries to bystanders.
Investigation ongoing
ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division has opened an investigation to determine the factors that led to the crash. Troopers are reviewing dash‑cam footage, vehicle data, and road conditions. Officials have not released any preliminary findings regarding driver fatigue, mechanical failure, or weather influences.
Impact on the community
The incident underscores the dangers that heavy‑duty trucks pose on Alabama’s interstate system, especially in high‑traffic corridors like I‑65 that connect Mobile to Montgomery and beyond. Local officials have previously emphasized the importance of rigorous safety inspections for commercial vehicles and the need for drivers to adhere to safe operating practices.
Mobile County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Deputy Sheriff Mark Hensley said, “Our thoughts are with the family of Mr. Mendez during this difficult time. We are committed to a thorough investigation and will share any safety recommendations that arise from our findings.”
Road safety reminders
Residents traveling on I‑65 are reminded to stay alert for construction zones, obey posted speed limits, and maintain a safe following distance from large trucks. The Alabama Department of Transportation encourages motorists to report any hazardous conditions they observe on the highway.
Authorities will continue to monitor the site while the investigation proceeds. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Original reporting: FOX10 WALA Mobile (news) — read the source article.
