After graduating from Temple University (Philadelphia) in 2009, Pleydle enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in January 2010. She successfully completed basic training at the MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina in May 2010 and moved on to Marine Combat Service Support School at Camp Johnson in July 2010.
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| Pleydle/MySpace.com |
In July 2010, after an evening of pool at a local sports bar, Pleydle caught a ride home with Sergeant Tomas Mendoza, her former instructor. At approximately 10:00 p.m., Medoza's 1999 Toyota Camry ran a red light at Western Blvd and Gum Branch Road. A 2005 Dodge Ram T-boned Mendoza’s Camry in the passenger side door. PFC Pleydle died at the scene. She was 23 days away from entering the fleet.
Friends and family of Pleydle, a native of Victorville, California, described her as a sweet person, who had an "infectious Smile" and loved God.
Her cousin, Jacob, of Chino, California shared a memory of Pleydle on WITN.com:A friend of Pleydle's, Vanessa Nunez, of Rialto, California posted:
my dear cousin chante, you will be missed everyday!! i was shocked to hear the horrible news of your passing, i didnt want to believe it, i couldnt believe it. why you??....you are my cousin and one of thee best friends i've ever had the privledge of knowing and that'll never change!! hahaha i remember waking at your house and going down stairs to see you eating your bowl of hot cheetos and lemon juice, at 8 in the morning i might add haha thats one thought ill never forget.... I love you cousin!! Muaahhhh!!!!! <3 See you later buddy
Eventhough we didnt see eachother much i will miss her a lot! MY MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT WITH CHANTE WAS WHEN YOU GUYS CAME DOWN TO MY TIA ROSIES HOUSE IN HER WHITE CAMARO... WE WENT TO THE MALL AND WE WERE LAUGHING BECAUSE CHANTE HAD TO SIT ON HER PILLOWS IN ORDER TO SEE BETTER! SHE WILL BE MISSED RIP CHANTE!
Pleydle is survived by three siblings and her parents.
Mendoza, 28, pleaded guilty to felony death by motor vehicle and driving while impaired last week in Jacksonville, N.C.
On the evening of the car accident, Mendoza consumed alcohol at two separate establishments and a private residence before driving Pleydle home. According to WITN NEWS, when Mendoza was treated at onslow Memorial Hospital shortly after the accident, his blood alcohol level was 0.10 percent. The legal limit in North Carolina is .08 percent.
Prior to sentencing, Mendoza addressed the court and the family of his former student whom he called a friend. He tearfully apologized to Pleydle's family and said he would never do anything to hurt her.
Superior Court Judge Charles Henry sentenced the married father of two, to three years in prison, a year suspended and three years probation.
Mendoza, who was administratively separated from the Marine Corps after the accident, was an instructor at Marine Corps Training Battalion East, School of Infantry Camp Geiger at the time of the accident. Mendoza, according to his attorney, admitted to having a drinking problem and voluntarily entered a rehabilitation program in his home state of Texas.
This tragic accident has deeply affected both families. Mendoza's children have lost their father. Pleydle's family has lost her forever. Wehther Mendoza is in prison or not, his life is forever changed by a bad decision. He is not a monster...he is just a human being who made a mistake. I send my condolences to both families and pray Mendoza does not allow this alter his life in a negative fashion. Use it to grow and teach others. Please do not drink and drive. It's that one time...that one time you think you're ok and you're not and it costs you and maybe someone else their life. God bless. Great article!
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