News Summary
A driver, Felix Mendoza Jr., sustained critical injuries in a high-speed crash in east Las Vegas, resulting in the death of another passenger. Mendoza was speeding over 50 mph when he lost control, leading to a collision that not only injured him but also had severe consequences for others, including the death of Michael Steinhauser. Mendoza, with a history of DUI offenses, faces significant legal repercussions as the community grapples with the tragedy and calls for stricter DUI accountability.
Las Vegas, NV – A driver sustained critical injuries following a high-speed crash in an east Las Vegas neighborhood on Sunday night. The incident, which occurred around 6:30 p.m. on E. Sahara Avenue, involved a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado that was reportedly traveling at least 50 miles per hour over the speed limit.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police stated that the driver failed to navigate a curve on Sahara Avenue, which led the vehicle to jump the sidewalk, collide with a utility box, and strike a block wall. After this initial impact, the truck re-entered the roadway and came to a stop approximately 430 feet away from where it first collided with the curb.
Emergency medical personnel transported the driver to Sunrise Hospital, where his injuries were deemed life-threatening and he was admitted for treatment. Authorities are investigating the crash further to determine if impairment was a factor in the incident, although it was noted that the driver was significantly exceeding the speed limit at the time of the crash.
The driver involved in the crash has been identified as Felix Mendoza Jr., who has a history of DUI offenses. In 2020, Mendoza was sentenced to two to five years in prison for a previous DUI incident that caused serious injuries to two children. In light of this recent crash, Mendoza has been charged with additional counts, including causing the death of Michael Steinhauser, who was traveling with his wife, Dawn Steinhauser, from Arizona to Montana at the time of the accident.
Michael Steinhauser was unable to survive the crash. Authorities noted that he had removed his seatbelt just before the accident occurred, a decision that may have contributed to his fatality. His wife, Dawn, suffered physical injuries from the collision, including a torn rotator cuff, and is awaiting spine surgery. The medical expenses following the crash have surpassed $5 million, raising concerns about potential bankruptcy for her.
In response to the severity of his actions, District Judge Danielle Pieper emphasized the need for accountability in DUI-related incidents during Mendoza’s sentencing. Mendoza ultimately received a sentence of four to ten years for his role in the accident that resulted in Steinhauser’s death, which represents the maximum sentence allowable under his plea agreement. His remorse was acknowledged in court, where he claimed he reflects daily on his decisions that led to this tragedy.
Furthermore, the crash occurred on Interstate 15 near mile marker 58, which necessitated an immediate investigation by regional transportation authorities who later cleared the roadway. In a separate incident, a motorcyclist also lost their life after colliding with an SUV on State Route 160.
The impact of Mendoza’s reckless driving extends beyond his own injuries, affecting the lives of others involved. The community continues to rally for stricter measures and accountability for DUI offenses as they mourn the loss of Michael Steinhauser and grapple with the consequences of such tragic incidents.
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Additional Resources
- NASCAR News
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- Wikipedia: Driving Under the Influence
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Accident
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- Google Search: Traffic Safety
- Review Journal
- Google Scholar: Driving Under the Influence
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
