Michelet Metellus, Sheyla Similien, and Joel Similien Tragedy: Kyle Mendez Arrested and Charged with Involuntary Manslaughter and Hit-and-Run After Fatal Collision on Interstate 29.
Michelet Metellus, 52, Sheyla Similien, 54, and Joel Similien, 55, tragically lost their lives in a devastating collision on Interstate 29 in Platte County, Missouri, early Thursday morning. The suspect, 34-year-old Kyle Mendez, who allegedly fled the scene, was apprehended by deputies and Missouri Highway Patrol troopers using a drone in a nearby bean field.
The incident occurred shortly after midnight in the southbound lanes of I-29, south of Dearborn, when Mendez’s Ford Edge SUV collided with a van carrying the three victims and four other passengers. Witnesses reported seeing a driver traveling in the wrong direction on the interstate, leading to the tragic crash.
Deputies and troopers arrived at the scene to find medics treating individuals outside the van, with three victims inside the van pronounced dead. Despite an initial unsuccessful search, a deputy located Mendez using a drone near the interstate, holding himself up in a bean field. Mendez admitted to driving the SUV and being involved in the crash during an interview at the hospital.
Mendez has been charged with three counts of involuntary manslaughter and hit-and-run, and is currently hospitalized with severe injuries. The four other passengers in the van were injured in the crash, and their conditions are unknown at this time.
The community is reeling in shock and grief, and the families of the victims are struggling to come to terms with the loss. Michelet Metellus, Sheyla Similien, and Joel Similien will be deeply missed by their loved ones, and their tragic passing serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of reckless driving.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with authorities working to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. Witnesses reported seeing a driver traveling in the wrong direction on the interstate, leading to the tragic collision.
Rest in peace, Michelet Metellus, Sheyla Similien, and Joel Similien. Your lives were a blessing to us all, and your memory will continue to touch our hearts. Your legacy will live on through the stories and experiences of those who knew you, and your tragic passing will not be forgotten.
In the face of this tragedy, the community comes together to support the families of Michelet Metellus, Sheyla Similien, and Joel Similien, offering condolences and comfort during this difficult time. May their memory be a blessing to us all, and may their legacy inspire us to create a brighter future for all.
The use of a drone in locating Mendez in the bean field serves as a reminder of the importance of technology in law enforcement, and the dedication of authorities to bringing justice to victims and their families. May this tragic incident serve as a reminder to always prioritize safety on our roads, and may we work together to create a safer and more compassionate society for all.
