CARTHAGE, Mo. — A devastating tragedy has shaken the peaceful community of Carthage after a horrific three-vehicle collision on Tuesday afternoon claimed the life of 76-year-old Gale Wade, left his wife Mrs. Wade critically injured, and involved Mark Mendez-Hernandez, a suspected drunk driver, as well as the unidentified driver of a third pickup truck. The heartbreaking incident unfolded at the intersection of Oak Street and McGregor Avenue around 3:00 p.m., when authorities say Mendez-Hernandez blew through a stop sign, causing a violent crash that changed several lives forever.
According to the Carthage Police Department, the suspect — identified as Mark Mendez-Hernandez, a known repeat DWI offender — was driving a black pickup truck southbound on McGregor Avenue when he failed to stop at the intersection. His truck slammed into an eastbound SUV carrying Gale Wade and his wife, sending their vehicle careening into a gray pickup truck waiting at the northbound stop sign.
The impact was catastrophic. Emergency responders rushed to the scene within minutes, but despite their efforts, Gale Wade was pronounced dead shortly after the crash. His wife sustained life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to a hospital in Springfield, where she continues to fight for her life under intensive care. The driver of the third vehicle escaped with minor injuries.
Authorities believe alcohol was a major contributing factor in the deadly collision. Following the crash, witnesses reported that Mark Mendez-Hernandez attempted to flee the scene on foot, but several brave local residents sprang into action, chasing him down and detaining him several blocks away until police arrived. He was taken into custody and is being held on pending charges of driving while intoxicated involving death, manslaughter, and additional offenses. Formal charges are expected to be filed soon through the Jasper County Prosecutor’s Office.
For more than five hours, investigators and crash reconstruction teams worked meticulously to document every piece of evidence at the scene. They gathered debris, measured skid marks, and collected witness statements to determine the exact sequence of events that led to this senseless loss of life.
The Carthage community has been left in deep mourning. Friends, neighbors, and loved ones describe Gale Wade as a kind-hearted and gentle man — a devoted husband, friend, and community member who enjoyed the simple pleasures of small-town life. His sudden passing has left an irreplaceable void for those who knew him best.
“This was completely avoidable,” one neighbor shared with tears in her eyes. “Gale was a good man, and his wife didn’t deserve this. It’s just heartbreaking that someone’s reckless decision to drink and drive could destroy such a beautiful life.”
Community members have voiced outrage that Mark Mendez-Hernandez, a repeat DWI offender, was once again behind the wheel, calling for tougher penalties and stricter enforcement of drunk driving laws to prevent future tragedies.
As the investigation continues, many are choosing to focus on honoring Gale Wade’s life rather than the circumstances of his death. Vigils are being discussed in the Carthage area to remember him and show support for his wife’s recovery.
This devastating crash stands as a painful reminder of the dangers of impaired driving — and the enduring strength of a community that refuses to stay silent in the face of injustice.
Rest in peace, Gale Wade. Your memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved you, and your tragic passing will serve as a solemn call for change and accountability on Missouri’s roads.
