Father killed in Lewis Street crash was on the way to pick up his son
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- A truck crossed the center line and struck Mendoza-Ortiz’s SUV in Pasco on Lewis Street.
- Mendoza-Ortiz was driving toward Highway 395 to pick up his 3-year-old son.
- The families are asking for help covering funeral expenses.
A 53-year-old father was on his way to pick up his young son when a truck slammed into his SUV Pasco last week.
Now his family is left trying to pick up the pieces. Marco “Tony” Mendoza-Ortiz’s family described him as “everything to us”, said Liv Poeppel, in a post sharing a GoFundMe.
“In addition of the overwhelming grief, the family is now facing unexpected financial burdens, as well as the challenge of Tawny (his wife) supporting her children on her own now,” the GoFundMe campaign said.
Mendoza-Ortiz was driving toward Highway 395 on his way to pick up his 3-year-old son, Remi, Poeppel said in a Facebook post.
In the oncoming lane, Alex Licon, 32, was speeding as he exited the highway, the Washington State Patrol said. He crossed the center line and slammed into the SUV in the other lane. The two men died at the scene.
Initial blood tests found alcohol and cocaine in Licon’s blood, Franklin County Coroner Curtis McGary told the Tri-City Herald.
While it’s not clear where Licon was headed, the young father was remembered as an amazing man with a big heart, according a GoFundMe campaign organized by Andrea Chavez.
“He was a great father, a loving partner, a son, a brother, an uncle and a wonderful stepfather,” Chavez said. “He was always the light of the party, bringing joy and laughter wherever he went.”
Help with expenses
Poeppel said Mendoza-Ortiz’s young son will need to spend his birthday in May without his favorite person. He also leaves behind his wife and two stepchildren and a granddaughter.
The GoFundMe is going to help cover the funeral costs and help provide stability while his family navigates live without him.
She described him as a hardworking and devoted father who loved his family deeply, and knew how to keep life from feeling too heavy.
“Marco will be remembered for his big personality and even bigger heart,” Poeppel said. “He was always making people laugh, a true goofball who could lighten any moment.”
Licon’s family said their GoFundMe is also covering funeral expenses.
“His presence touched the lives of everyone around him and his memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him the most,” Chavez wrote.
This story was originally published May 7, 2026 at 12:38 PM.