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Man faces charges in fatal high-speed crash

A man is facing death by motor vehicle charges after a fatal single-vehicle crash Saturday morning on Lake Wheeler Road in Raleigh.

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Isidro Mendez
RALEIGH, N.C. — A man is facing death by motor vehicle charges after a fatal single-vehicle crash Saturday morning on Lake Wheeler Road in Raleigh.

According to the state Highway Patrol, Isidro Mendez, 32, was traveling south near Simpkins Road in a 2001 Chevrolet pickup when he crossed the center line, overcorrected and hit a tree.

Rafael Virrueta, 27, was riding in the vehicle with Mendez and was killed, troopers said.

Troopers said alcohol and speeds of 90 mph in a 35 mph zone were factors in the crash. Other charges against Mendez are pending.

Mendez was treated for minor injures at WakeMed. He was being held in the Wake County jail Sunday under a $20,000 bond. He has also been put under a detainer by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

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