Gale Wade Carthage, MO Death and Obituary – A tragic three-vehicle crash in Carthage, Missouri, claimed the life of 76-year-old Gale Lynn Wade of Joplin on October 21, 2025. The collision, which occurred at the intersection of Oak Street and McGregor Street, was caused by a repeat DWI offender, resulting in one fatality and one critical injury. The incident has once again sparked outrage over drunk driving and repeat offenders on Missouri roads.
According to authorities, Mark Anthony Mendez-Hernandez, 22, was driving at a high rate of speed when he ran a stop sign at the intersection of Oak and McGregor Streets. His vehicle T-boned an SUV driven by Gale Wade, causing catastrophic damage. The impact sent Wade’s vehicle careening into a third vehicle—a pickup truck—that was stopped at the intersection.
Emergency responders from the Carthage Police Department and Jasper County EMS arrived within minutes, but Gale Wade was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of her injuries. Her passenger, Glenda Ruth Wade, sustained life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to a hospital in Springfield for emergency treatment. The driver of the third vehicle reportedly suffered minor injuries and was treated on-site.
Witnesses told police that Mendez-Hernandez attempted to flee the scene on foot, leaving behind his wrecked vehicle. However, several bystanders quickly pursued and detained him until law enforcement arrived. Officers noted that he appeared intoxicated and unsteady, prompting immediate field sobriety testing and arrest.
Following his arrest, prosecutors filed several serious charges against Mark Anthony Mendez-Hernandez, including:
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DWI—Death of Another Person
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Involuntary Manslaughter in the First Degree
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DWI—Serious Physical Injury
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Second-Degree Assault (Two Counts)
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Leaving the Scene of an Accident Resulting in Death
Court records revealed that Mendez-Hernandez has a history of prior DWI offenses, making him a repeat offender with previous convictions in Jasper County. The latest incident has renewed calls from local residents and officials for stricter penalties for habitual drunk drivers.
The community of Carthage and nearby Joplin have been deeply shaken by the tragedy. Friends and neighbors described Gale Wade as a kind and active woman who loved her family and enjoyed volunteering in her church and community. Many have expressed anger and frustration that a known DWI offender was still on the road.
Local authorities and road safety advocates emphasized that the crash was entirely preventable. “This was not an accident—it was a choice,” said one law enforcement officer at the scene, highlighting the continuing danger of impaired driving.
As the investigation continues, Glenda Wade remains hospitalized in critical condition, and prosecutors have indicated that additional charges could be considered pending the outcome of her recovery.