‘He had an infectious laugh’: Grandpa of Harlingen crash victims

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Harlingen police say 16-year-old Ryan Mendiola is dead after crashing into a brick wall on Saturday night. Three other teens were also in the vehicle and are suffering from serious injuries.

On Saturday, close to 8:30 p.m., police responded to a call on South Parkwood about a vehicle crashing into a brick fence. Four teens were in the vehicle, and all sustained major injuries. Police say Mendiola, who did not have a driver's license, was driving and had to be pulled out of the car. He later died at the hospital. The other teens are still hospitalized, and two are listed in serious condition.

Neighbors in the area told ValleyCentral this is not the first time a crash has occurred in the neighborhood. They say the road can be very dangerous as drivers often speed through.

The grandfather of three of the teenagers, Arnulfo Mendiola, told ValleyCentral that three siblings and a friend were in the car. He says Ryan's brother is currently battling life-threatening injuries.

He adds that Ryan was a good, hardworking boy who had an infectious laugh and loved to fish.

Staff of Xtreme Jump in San Benito are coming together to help their former employee, Ryan's mother. They are hosting a chicken plate fundraiser on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the trampoline park to support the family.

Office manager Erick Garcia says community members can purchase tickets at the park either throughout the week or on the day of the event. He adds that donations are also welcome.

“Right now, they are going to be needing help with medical and funeral expenses since there are two other relatives in the hospital, so that’s why we felt the need of helping them,” Garcia said.

Police say this is an ongoing investigation.

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