2 Shelton men who died after loose wheel struck vehicle have been identified
Two Shelton men who were among eight people riding in a van when their vehicle was struck by a loose wheel have been identified, according to Washington State Patrol.
About 5:35 a.m. Sept. 21, the van was headed north on Interstate-5, approaching Bridgeport Way in Lakewood. Troopers say a loose wheel from an unknown vehicle rolled into the northbound lanes and hit the van.
The wheel came crashing through the windshield and struck the two men, Trooper John Dattilo said.
The two men, both of whom died at the scene, were identified as Martin Mendoza Matias, 55, of Shelton, and Denilso Tomas Lopez, 18, of Shelton.
A 20-year-old Shelton man was injured in the wreck and taken to St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma. The five other people in the van were not hurt, according to State Patrol.
This story was originally published September 27, 2023 at 5:15 AM.
