Memorial Friday for victims of Mound House wreck

A Celebration of life will be held Friday for two Carson City children and their father who died as a result of an accident in Mound House on April 22.

Carson City Sheriff's Detective Dena Lacy, a family friend who helped organize the event, said the memorial begins at 1 p.m. at Ross Gold Park immediately following a private funeral service for Colton Melendrez, 3, and Alexis Melendrez, 8.

The children were riding with their father, David Melendrez, 30, through Mound House when David Melendrez careened into oncoming traffic April 22. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Alexis died hours later, and Colton was on life support for nearly a week before succumbing to his injuries April 27.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation by the Nevada Highway Patrol.

Lacy, a friend to the children's mother, Natasha Johnson, and her fiance, Deputy Donald Gibson, said the memorial is a potluck. Guests are encouraged to bring a dish to share. There also will be a balloon release with messages for both the children and their father.

The accident prompted members of the Carson City Deputies Association and Nevada Department of Corrections officers to host fundraisers to benefit Johnson, who may have medical bills as a result.

Friday, a car show hosted by Carson City deputies had a huge turnout, said organizer Deputy Wayne Wheeler.

For a suggested donation of $10, 143 cars entered the Cruise In. Local businesses also donated everything from sandwiches to hotel stays for a raffle.

"I want to give a big 'thank-you' out to the region. Businesses really stepped up and just gave us donations for everything and anything they could," said Wheeler. "It was awesome."

Wheeler estimated those in attendance in the thousands.

He said he wasn't surprised by the turnout.

"I know the way people are in Northern Nevada, so I knew people would show up," he said.

The corrections officers are hosting a car wash at the Nevada State Prison lot on Saturday for a suggested donation of $5.

On Monday at Sutro Elementary School, Alexis' classmates released balloons in her memory, said Principal Heather M. Taylor.

Alexis Dae Melendrez was born Aug. 25, 2002, in Carson City and Colton James Melendrez was born July 24, 2007, in Carson City. They are survived by their mother, Natasha Johnson, and by grandparents.

David James Melendrez was born Feb. 24, 1981, in Carson City. David is survived by his father, Tony Melendrez; mother, Sharon Roach; twin infant daughters, Kylei Faith Melendrez and Kaylee Ann Melendrez; sister, Melissa Mulder; and brothers, Stephen Melendrez and Anthony Melendrez.