Fatal crash south of Three Rivers

Authorities said speed appears to be a factor in a fatal crash late last week in Florence Township.

St. Joseph County Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said deputies were called shortly before 5 a.m. Friday to an area of Lutz Road near Roys Road in response to a single-vehicle crash.

Investigators found a vehicle – driven by 20-year-old Gerardo Menendez of Three Rivers – had crashed into a tree. The vehicle was heading south when Menendez apparently lost control and it left the right side of the road before striking a tree.

Menendez was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities said it appears Menendez was not wearing a seatbelt.