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'Boston Legal' Actor Justin Mentell


Actor Justin Mentell

MADISON, Wisconsin – Justin Mentell, a young actor featured on the television show, "Boston Legal," was killed Monday, February 1, in a one-vehicle accident southwest of Madison, Wisconsin. The crash was reported about 8:30 a.m. The Iowa County Sheriff's Department said Mentell was pronounced dead at the scene around 9 a.m. after his 2005 Jeep left the roadway on Route 39 near Mineral Point, went down an embankment and struck two trees. He was 27.

The Sheriff's Department said Mentell was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident. Authorities have deemed an autopsy unnecessary since police have ruled out alcohol as a factor in the death of the young actor. According to Mentell's longtime friend, Sharon Yap, authorities have also eliminated other causes such as falling asleep at the wheel or being drunk before the crash.

It is believed Mentell missed a sharp curve in the road, causing him to crash into an embankment. Yap explained, "He was on a very dark rural road and they think that he missed the curve. He went straight into the embankment. It was a rural area with no streetlights. He was driving late at night before sunrise so it was dark. A farmer found him. Justin was a vegetarian and lead a very healthy lifestyle. He went too soon."


Actor Justin Mentell was featured in 'Boston Legal'
in the role of Attorney Garrett Wells

Mentell portrayed Attorney Garrett Wells on "Boston Legal" from 2005 to 2006. According to the film database IMDb.com, he also played Terrell in the 2009 Disney movie, "G-Force."

Born December 16, 1982, in Austin, Texas, Mentell grew up in Waukegan, Illinois. He began acting as a child and was a member of the U.S. Junior National Speedskating Team. He studied acting at Northern Illinois University.

Funeral services for Mentell will be held at graveside at the Restland Memorial Cemetary in Dallas, Texas on Saturday, February 6. A memorial service will be held in his honor at the Jack Benny Center for the Arts in Waukegan, Illinois on Saturday, February 13. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Justin Mentell's name to The Waukegan Park District Cultural Arts.