Man, 81, killed in crash

A Madera man was killed Friday after the car in which he was riding struck another car on Avenue 12 at Road 25, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Jose Mendoza, 81, was not wearing a seat belt according to officers, and was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to reports, Johnny Mendoza, 76, also of Madera, was driving a 2005 Impala westbound on Avenue 12 at approximately 55 mph with Jose Mendoza as his passenger, when for unknown reasons an eastbound 2012 Chevy Malibu, driven by 29-year-old Cecilia Padilla, of Madera turned in front of them.

The Mendoza car struck the Malibu on the passenger’s side and the force of the impact spun both vehicles around.

Both drivers, Johnny Mendoza and Cecilia Padilla, sustained minor injuries in the collision and were taken to Madera Community Hospital.

The incident remains under investigation. Alcohol is not thought to be a factor in the collision.