The community of Roanoke is mourning the tragic death of 30-year-old Jose Saenz Ventura, who lost his life following a violent two-vehicle collision on Memorial Day. The devastating crash, which occurred at a busy intersection in northwest Roanoke, has left his family, friends, and loved ones in deep grief as they struggle to process the sudden loss.
According to the Roanoke Police Department, officers responded at approximately 11:23 a.m. on May 25, 2026, to the intersection of Lafayette Boulevard and Melrose Avenue NW after receiving multiple reports of a serious crash. Upon arrival, authorities found significant damage involving a Honda Civic and a Chevrolet Equinox, both of which were heavily impacted in the collision.
Inside the Honda Civic, emergency responders discovered two occupants who were injured and immediately transported them to a nearby hospital. Despite medical intervention, Jose Saenz Ventura, the driver of the Civic, later succumbed to his injuries. His passenger survived but sustained non-life-threatening injuries and is recovering.
Investigators reported that the driver and passenger of the Chevrolet Equinox initially fled the scene on foot following the collision. Both individuals were later located nearby in the 900 block of Crescent Street NW and taken into custody without further incident. Authorities identified the driver of the Equinox as 42-year-old Kenneth Lynn Campbell Jr., who has since been charged with involuntary manslaughter and felony hit-and-run as the investigation continues.
Preliminary findings indicate that Campbell allegedly ran a red light while traveling westbound on Melrose Avenue NW, resulting in a high-impact crash with Ventura’s vehicle, which was reportedly making a lawful turn at the time. The force of the collision proved fatal for Ventura, marking a heartbreaking end to a routine drive that turned into tragedy in an instant.
The loss of Jose Saenz Ventura has deeply affected those who knew him, with loved ones remembering him as a valued family member and friend whose life was taken far too soon. As the investigation continues, the community has also expressed concern and sorrow over the circumstances surrounding the crash.
As Roanoke reflects on this tragic incident, attention remains focused on accountability, roadway safety, and supporting those left behind. Funeral and memorial arrangements have not yet been publicly announced as his family continues to grieve this profound loss.