Jose Saenz Ventura, 30, Remembered After Memorial Day Crash At Lafayette Boulevard And Melrose Avenue NW In Roanoke
Jose Saenz Ventura, 30, passed away after a two-vehicle crash on Memorial Day, May 25, 2026, in Roanoke.
Roanoke Police said the crash happened around 11:23 a.m. at the intersection of Lafayette Boulevard and Melrose Avenue NW and involved a Honda Civic and a Chevrolet Equinox.
Jose drove the Honda Civic and was taken to a nearby hospital with a passenger after both sustained serious injuries.
Medical personnel worked to save Jose, but Jose later passed away from those injuries.
The passenger survived and is expected to recover from non-life-threatening injuries.
Police said the Chevrolet Equinox driver, 42-year-old Kenneth Lynn Campbell Jr., faces charges including involuntary manslaughter and felony hit-and-run after authorities located the driver and passenger nearby.
Investigators said preliminary findings show the Equinox ran a red light while traveling westbound on Melrose Avenue NW as Jose made a lawful turn.
Family, friends, and community members remember Jose as a caring and valued person whose presence brought comfort to others.
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