Melendez Cause Of Death Determined

Sonora, CA — Exposure to extreme heat has been ruled as the cause of death of Angela Melendez.

The 35 year old Atwater resident was discovered by passing motorists Friday afternoon in an abandoned white Honda parked at the southeast corner of the Hwy 108/120 J-59 intersection. The motorists then contacted the C.H.P. who in turn passed the information along to the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office.

While it is believed that Melendez drove the vehicle to that location, she was found in the passenger’s seat. According to Sgt. A.J. Ford of the Sheriff’s Office foul play has been ruled out as a cause of her death.

Investigators did learn through interviews that Melendez had a history of dealing with depression. The toxicology report will not be available for several weeks.