WEST FARGO, N.D. — The North Dakota Highway Patrol has released the names of the victim and driver involved in a deadly vehicle versus pedestrian crash that occurred early Wednesday morning in West Fargo. Jose Rodriguez, 38, also known as Freddy Mendoza, of West Fargo, died after he was hit by a car driven by 25 year old Carly Vizenor. The crash happened around 2:45 a.m. on 32nd Avenue South east of 9th Street. Rodriguez died at the scene. The highway patrol says Vizenor initially left the scene but came back about 10 minutes later. Charges against Vizenor are under investigation.

The Crash: A Deadly Night on 32nd Avenue

The incident occurred at approximately 2:45 a.m. on a Wednesday morning on 32nd Avenue South east of 9th Street in West Fargo, North Dakota. West Fargo is a rapidly growing city in Cass County, located just west of Fargo, the largest city in the state. The area is a mix of residential neighborhoods, commercial developments, and industrial zones. 32nd Avenue South is a major east west arterial road, with multiple lanes, streetlights, and speed limits typically ranging from 25 to 35 miles per hour in this section. At 2:45 a.m., the road would have been dark, with minimal traffic. The early morning hour also means that drivers may be tired, less alert, or struggling with drowsiness.

According to the North Dakota Highway Patrol, Jose Rodriguez was a pedestrian on 32nd Avenue South. It is unclear why he was on the road at that hour. He may have been walking home, crossing the street, or simply in the area. For reasons still under investigation, he was struck by a car driven by Carly Vizenor. The impact was severe. Rodriguez sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. There was no hospital transport. The injuries were unsurvivable.

The Victim: Jose Rodriguez, 38, Also Known as Freddy Mendoza

Jose Rodriguez was 38 years old. He was a resident of West Fargo, North Dakota. He was also known by the name Freddy Mendoza. The reason for the alias has not been disclosed; it may be a nickname, a middle name, or a name he used professionally or socially. At 38, he was a man in the prime of his life. He was someone’s son, someone’s brother, someone’s friend. He may have been a father, a husband, a partner. His death is a tragedy for his family and for the West Fargo community.

The original article does not provide biographical details about Jose his occupation, his hobbies, his personality. That information will emerge in the coming days as family members speak to the media and as obituaries are published. What is known is that he was 38, that he was from West Fargo, and that he is gone. He was walking on 32nd Avenue South in the early morning hours when he was struck and killed by a car.

The Driver: Carly Vizenor, 25, Left Scene Then Returned

The driver of the vehicle has been identified as Carly Vizenor, 25, of West Fargo or the surrounding area. According to the highway patrol, Vizenor initially left the scene after hitting Rodriguez. She did not stop to render aid. She did not call 911. She drove away. This is a hit and run. Leaving the scene of an accident involving death is a serious felony in North Dakota.

However, approximately 10 minutes later, Vizenor returned to the scene. It is unclear why she returned. She may have had a change of heart, realized the severity of what she had done, or been persuaded by a passenger or a witness. She may have been afraid of the consequences of fleeing and decided that returning was the better option. Whatever the reason, her return may mitigate some of the legal consequences, but it does not erase the fact that she left a dying man on the road.

Vizenor remained at the scene after returning. She is cooperating with investigators. She has not been charged as of this report, but charges are under investigation. Potential charges could include:

• Homicide by vehicle (if she was driving recklessly or impaired)

• Leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death (a felony)

• Negligent homicide (if her actions were negligent but not intentional)

• Failure to render aid

Toxicology tests will likely be performed on Vizenor to determine whether alcohol or drugs were a factor. The results may take weeks to be finalized.

The Investigation: Determining Cause and Responsibility

The North Dakota Highway Patrol is leading the investigation. Crash reconstruction experts will analyze the scene, including skid marks, debris patterns, and the final resting position of Rodriguez’s body and the vehicle. They will also examine Vizenor’s car for damage consistent with striking a pedestrian.

Key questions include:

• Why was Rodriguez in the roadway? Was he crossing legally at a crosswalk? Was he walking along the side of the road? Was he in the travel lane?

• Was Vizenor speeding? Speed increases the severity of injuries and reduces reaction time.

• Was Vizenor distracted? Was she looking at a phone, adjusting the radio, or talking to a passenger?

• Was Vizenor impaired by alcohol or drugs? The fact that she left the scene initially may suggest impairment or panic.

• Were road conditions a factor? Was the pavement wet? Was there adequate lighting? Were there any obstructions to visibility?

The investigation will also look into the timeline of Vizenor’s return. Why did she leave? Where did she go? Did she contact anyone? Did she call 911 before returning? These details will be important in determining her state of mind and potential charges.

The Community: West Fargo in Mourning

The West Fargo community is mourning the loss of Jose Rodriguez. West Fargo is a close knit city of approximately 40,000 residents, a suburb that has grown rapidly over the past two decades. The death of a 38 year old in a pedestrian crash is a tragedy that touches everyone who hears about it.

Jose’s family is devastated. They have lost a son, a brother, a friend. They are planning a funeral instead of celebrating a milestone. The pain is immeasurable. They are also waiting for answers. They want to know why Vizenor left the scene, why she returned, and whether she will be held accountable.

Friends and neighbors have expressed their condolences on social media. A small memorial may be placed at the site of the crash, with flowers, candles, and a cross.

Pedestrian Safety on Dark Roads

The crash that killed Jose Rodriguez is a reminder of the dangers pedestrians face on dark roads, especially in the early morning hours. Even on roads with streetlights, pedestrians can be difficult to see. Drivers may be tired, and their reaction times may be slower. Pedestrians who wear dark clothing are almost invisible at night.

Pedestrians should take precautions: use crosswalks, wear reflective clothing, carry a flashlight, and avoid walking on roads with high speed limits. Drivers should be vigilant, reduce speed at night, and always watch for pedestrians.

The Hit and Run and Return: Legal Implications

Vizenor’s decision to leave the scene initially is a serious offense. Under North Dakota Century Code, leaving the scene of an accident involving death is a Class C felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. However, her return to the scene may be considered a mitigating factor. It may be seen as evidence that she recognized her error and attempted to correct it. Prosecutors may consider this when determining charges and negotiating a plea.

However, the fact that she left at all will not be ignored. If she had stayed, she could have called 911, provided aid, and potentially saved Rodriguez’s life. Instead, she left him to die on the road. That decision will weigh heavily in any legal proceedings.

If Vizenor was impaired, the charges could be more severe. North Dakota has strict laws against driving under the influence. Vehicular homicide while under the influence is a Class B felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

The Role of Toxicology and Forensic Evidence

Toxicology results are critical in cases like this. If Vizenor tests positive for alcohol or drugs, it will be a major factor in the prosecution. If she tests negative, her defense may argue that she was simply panicked and not impaired.

The autopsy of Jose Rodriguez will also be important. It will determine the exact cause of death and may reveal whether he was impaired at the time of the crash, which could be relevant to determining fault.

Holding Onto Memories

As the investigation continues and the community mourns, the family and friends of Jose Rodriguez are left to do the hardest work of all. They must hold onto their memories of him while also confronting the reality of his death. They must grieve his loss while also waiting for justice. They must find a way to go on without him.

Jose was 38. He had years of life ahead of him. He had family who need him, friends who cherish him, a community that valued his presence. That is the tragedy of his death. It is not just the loss of what was. It is the loss of what could have been.

But what was still matters. The 38 years that Jose lived, the people he loved, the joy he brought, the memories he created these things are not erased by his death. They remain. They are the inheritance of his family, his friends, and everyone who knew him. And as long as those memories are held and shared and cherished, Jose Rodriguez, also known as Freddy Mendoza, will never truly be gone.

Conclusion: A Pedestrian Killed, A Driver Who Left and Returned

The death of Jose Rodriguez, 38, also known as Freddy Mendoza, in a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on 32nd Avenue South in West Fargo, is a tragedy that has left a family shattered and a community in mourning. The driver, Carly Vizenor, 25, initially left the scene but returned about 10 minutes later. Charges are under investigation. The North Dakota Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances of the crash, including why Rodriguez was in the roadway and whether Vizenor was impaired or distracted.

As West Fargo mourns, the community stands together in grief, offering prayers and support to Jose’s family. Rest in peace, Jose Rodriguez. You were loved. You will be missed. And your memory will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew you. Gone too soon, forever remembered.