Family Calls For Community To 'Storm Heaven With Prayers' Following Double Fatal Stafford Crash Family Calls For Community To 'Storm Heaven With Prayers' Following Double Fatal Stafford Crash
Family Calls For Community To 'Storm Heaven With Prayers' Following Double Fatal Stafford Crash Friends and well-wishers are coming together to support the family of a father of three who was killed in a double fatal Virginia crash over the weekend. Herndon native Shawn "Blazay" Ballard, 35, was driving early on Sunday, Nov. 10 with 48-year-old Nicole Hamm in the area of North Shore Drive and Charter Oak Court in Reston when their 2016 Ford Explorer veered off the roadway and struck the tree, according to police. Both were rushed to an area hospital, where they later died from their injuries, leaving loved ones reeling. Following the fatal crash, support has been swelling for Ba…
Father Who Died Suddenly In Virginia Mourned By Loved Ones Father Who Died Suddenly In Virginia Mourned By Loved Ones
Father Who Died Suddenly In Virginia Mourned By Loved Ones Adrian Aurel Utupan is being remembered by his loved ones as beloved church-going man who brought "love, laughter, and kindness" before his unexpected death in Virginia.  The 64-year-old was killed after reportedly suffering a medical emergency and crashing into a tree near a busy Prince William County intersection, police said last week. Investigators said that early on Thursday, Oct. 24, Utupan was driving in the area of Prince William Parkway and Minnieville Road, when he lost control of his Chevrolet Blazer in the southbound lanes of the parkway, crossed over the grassy median…
'Heaven Gained Another Angel:' Community Rallying To Send Award-Winning VA Crossing Guard Home 'Heaven Gained Another Angel:' Community Rallying To Send Award-Winning VA Crossing Guard Home
'Heaven Gained Another Angel:' Community Rallying To Send Award-Winning VA Crossing Guard Home A beloved member of the Alexandria Police Department who has been a fixture in the community for decades is being remembered for his work and commitment to children following his death, now they are hoping to send his body home to Trinidad. School Crossing Guard Richard Thomas leaves behind a lasting legacy following his passing after years of directing traffic and bonding with students and families during an award-winning career in Virginia. The state's "Most Outstanding Crossing Guard" in 2023 "knew how to keep everyone in the world around him safe," organizers of a GoFundMe campaign wrot…
Maryland Toddler Killed In DC Had 'Short, Meaningful Life," Family Says Maryland Toddler Killed In DC Had 'Short, Meaningful Life," Family Says
Maryland Toddler Killed In DC Had 'Short, Meaningful Life," Family Says A devastated family in Maryland is reeling and seeking answers after a beloved toddler was killed in DC. Late on Saturday, 1-year-old Upper Marlboro native Journee Moore was the subject of an emergency call in Northwest DC after going into cardiac arrest. According to police, officers were called at around 10:50 p.m. on Sept. 28 to a home in the 3700 block of Connecticut Avenue NW, where they found the 1-year-old suffering from critical injuries. Moore was rushed to the Children's National Hospital by DC Fire and EMS personnel, where the child would later be pronounced dead from blunt forc…
Former HS Football Star Killed In Spotsylvania Motorcycle Crash Was Expectant Father Former HS Football Star Killed In Spotsylvania Motorcycle Crash Was Expectant Father
James Reid Mourned By Community After Fatal Motorcycle Crash A former star athlete in Virginia who spent his life supporting his beloved hometown in Spotsylvania is being remembered as "a beloved son, brother, and friend whose vibrant spirit touched everyone he met."  James Trevor Reid, a man who put family over everything else, died on Saturday, Sept. 14, and now the community is rallying around him, his girlfriend, and the unborn child he never had the opportunity to meet. Reid, who was a popular player on the Spotsylvania Knights before assuming some coaching duties at his alma mater, died while riding his motorcycle and striking a truck driven by…
Services Set For Virginia High School Student Christian Brixius, 14 Services Set For Virginia High School Student Christian Brixius, 14
Services Set For Virginia High School Student Christian Brixius, 14 A Virginia community is rallying around the family of a beloved teen whose death "left a deep void in the lives of everyone who knew and loved him."  More than $50,000 has been raised by friends and loved ones following the death of Bristow native Christian Brixius, who is scheduled to be buried this week following his unexpected passing in Prince William County. Brixius, who attended Patriot High School," was described by his family as "a bright and kind-hearted teen who tragically passed away."  "As Christian’s family navigates through this incredibly difficult time, they are a…
Mom Loses 2nd Son To Gun Violence Following Alexandria Murder, She Says Mom Loses 2nd Son To Gun Violence Following Alexandria Murder, She Says
Mom Loses 2nd Son To Gun Violence Following Alexandria Murder, She Says A family no stranger to grief is facing the loss of another loved one who was the victim of gun violence in Alexandria. Kwakia Frazier, 25, has been identified by the Alexandria Police Department as the man who was killed in a triple shooting that left a 46-year-old man and teenager suffering from minor injuries. The shooting was reported at around 8:15 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 19 in the 1300 block of Wythe Street. Frazier was pronounced dead by first responders, the second man was hospitalized in stable condition, and the teen was treated for a graze wound. No information about a possible …
Reward Offered For Tips Leading To Arrest Of Shooter Connected To Double Fatal VA Shooting Reward Offered For Tips Leading To Arrest Of Shooter Connected To Double Fatal VA Shooting
Reward Offered For Tips Leading To Arrest Of Shooter Connected To Double Fatal VA Shooting A massive reward is being offered as friends and family continue searching for the person responsible for killing a pair of 22 year olds in Loudoun County over the summer. This week, the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office announced a $25,000 for tips and information that leads to the aprehension of whomever is responsible for the deaths of Mijal Conejero-Romera and Diego Alexander Woollett in late August.  Shortly after 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 28, deputies from the sheriff's office were called to the 21000 block of Ridgetop Circle in the area of Huntington Square, wher…
Community Rallying To Send Body Of 'Wonderful Person' Killed In VA Hit-Run Back To El Salvador Community Rallying To Send Body Of 'Wonderful Person' Killed In VA Hit-Run Back To El Salvador
Community Rallying To Send Body Of 'Wonderful Person' Killed In VA Hit-Run Back To El Salvador Before a hit-and-run driver in Fairfax County killed him, Julio Pasassi was a pillar of his adopted community who was known as a "true friend and leader," according to his family. Now that same community is rallying around his family as they hope to send his body back to his native El Salvador to be buried along with other loved ones. "Julio was struck by a hit-and-run driver as (he) walked to his car during his morning commute," Stephanie Trimmer, who organized a fundraiser for the Pasassi family, said.  "This devastating loss has affected all of us, and our thoughts are with Julio’s…
Truth Tillman, Rigger In DMV For Decades, Remembered As 'Bright Light Extinguished Too Soon' Truth Tillman, Rigger In DMV For Decades, Remembered As 'Bright Light Extinguished Too Soon'
Truth Tillman, Rigger In DMV For Decades, Remembered As 'Bright Light Extinguished Too Soon' A man who had his fingerprint on the pulse of the DMV is being remembered as "a bright light extinguished too soon following his unexpected death. Truth Tillman, 38, a beloved family member and friend to countless people throughout the region, was killed on Saturday, Sept. 7 in a reported crash on I-295. The Severn resident was described as "a rigger in the DMV since he was 17 years old" by a loved one, as his family looks to start filling the hole his unexpected passing left in their hearts. "(He) was a husband, father, uncle, brother, and friend to anyone who had the pleasure of spe…
Virginia Mother Killed In Motorcycle Crash Was Days From Getting Married, Starting New Job Virginia Mother Killed In Motorcycle Crash Was Days From Getting Married, Starting New Job
Virginia Mother Killed In Motorcycle Crash Was Days From Getting Married, Starting New Job Melanie Ruby Morales was "a light to everyone she met," before she lost her life in a Prince William County motorcycle crash, just as her life was coming together. Morales, 23, a mother of two, died last week after she was riding her motorcycle and struck a Mack truck after losing control, leaving friends and family reeling. "Melanie had a strong future ahead of her, standing tough through all of the hardships life threw her way," Jared Morales said. "Not for herself, but for the family she had created."  The Woodbridge resident leaves behind a husband she was planning to get married …
'Loving, Caring, Compassionate,' Woman, 22, Killed With BF In Virginia Remembered By Loved Ones 'Loving, Caring, Compassionate,' Woman, 22, Killed With BF In Virginia Remembered By Loved Ones
'Loving, Caring, Compassionate,' Woman, 22, Killed With BF In Virginia Remembered By Loved Ones A family is "struggling to make sense of something that is senseless" after a 22-year-old woman and her boyfriend were shot and killed in Loudoun County. Mijal Conejero-Romera and Diego Alexander Woollett, both 22, were identified by investigators as the two who were found shot in Sterling and later died at an area hospital on Wednesday, Aug. 28. Mijal Conejero-Romera GoFundMe A friend of the family who had known Conejero-Romera since she was 8 years old described her as "such a sweet girl, (who was) always smiling. "We don't know how we're going to go on," she continued.…
Sudden Death Of Popular VA Diner Owner 'Diesel' Sends Shockwaves Through Community Sudden Death Of Popular VA Diner Owner 'Diesel' Sends Shockwaves Through Community
Sudden Death Of Popular VA Diner Owner 'Diesel' Sends Shockwaves Through Community The death of a 27-year-old man is spreading sadness through a northern Virginia community. Abed-Alruhman Sam Warden, a Sterling native, died on Wednesday, Aug. 7, his family said in a statement put out to the community in a Facebook group. Warden, affectionately known as "Diesel," was the owner of Piccadilly Grill in Winchester, which has since been closed.  "The cause of his untimely demise remains uncertain, leaving our family in profound grief," the statement says. Warden lost his father three years ago and was being remembered as an "extraordinary young man, renowned for his exce…
Father Killed By Carjacker In Virginia Was 'Great Champion With Helpful Heart,' Wife Says Father Killed By Carjacker In Virginia Was 'Great Champion With Helpful Heart,' Wife Says
Father Killed By Carjacker In Virginia Was 'Great Champion With Helpful Heart,' Wife Says The man killed by a carjacker in Virginia is being remembered by friends and family as a doting father with a big heart he was willing to share with his loved ones. Last month, José Luis Vázquez, 37, had his gold Lexus SUV stolen from him in a Prince William County apartment complex, and while trying to stave off his assailant, was thrown from the vehicle, which then ran him over. He died at an area hospital, leaving his family - including a 2-year-old daughter - with an absence in their hearts.  "My husband was a happy person, a human being with a big heart, who was contagious w…
Family, Friends Shell-Shocked After Maryland Grandmother Of Eight Killed In Virginia Carjacking Family, Friends Shell-Shocked After Maryland Grandmother Of Eight Killed In Virginia Carjacking
Family, Friends Shell-Shocked After Maryland Grandmother Of Eight Killed In Virginia Carjacking A beloved Maryland grandmother of eight and mother to four children who spent part of her life dedicating herself to healthcare services in Virginia left a family reeling after she was killed in a carjacking. Silver Spring resident Melody Waldecker, 54, was involved in a fatal carjacking this week in Sterling by Jose Aguilar-Martinez where she was killed by her own vehicle, police say. Now, friends and well-wishers in the community are coming together in support of her family, which is stunned days after she was identified as the victim by police. "Losing a mother (or) grand…
Reston Woman, 26, Killed By Car On Leesburg Pike Was 'Hard Worker With Great Dreams' Reston Woman, 26, Killed By Car On Leesburg Pike Was 'Hard Worker With Great Dreams'
Reston Woman, 26, Killed By Car On Leesburg Pike Was 'Hard Worker With Great Dreams' Support is on the rise for the family of a 26-year-old Reston woman struck and killed by a vehicle on Leesburg Pike earlier this month. Giomarie Davila-Ocasio walked into the westbound lanes of the roadway when she was struck by a 2016 Ford Explorer around 3:45 a.m. on Saturday, July 20 in Great Falls, Fairfax County police said. The driver of the vehicle initially left the scene but returned shortly after and Davila-Ocasio was pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives believe that alcohol was a factor in the crash for Davila-Ocasio, and alcohol does not appear to be a factor for the d…
Community Rallying To Send Body Back To El Salvador After Fatal Maryland Crash Community Rallying To Send Body Back To El Salvador After Fatal Maryland Crash
Community Rallying To Send Body Back To El Salvador After Fatal Maryland Crash Dina Rosibel Salgado Sorto had her dreams shattered after the mother of a 3-year-old daughter was killed in a Loudoun County crash, her family says. Early in the afternoon on Thursday, July 18, deputies from the sheriff's office were called to the intersection of Waxpool Road and Red Rum Drive in Ashburn to investigate a crash involving a sedan and SUV that left one dead. On Friday, Salgado Sorto, 24, was identified as the person killed in the crash, leaving friends and family with more questions than answers as the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate. "Unfortunately, …
Fredericksburg Marine, Army Vet Kenny Carr Jr. Dies, 38 Fredericksburg Marine, Army Vet Kenny Carr Jr. Dies, 38
Fredericksburg Marine, Army Vet Kenny Carr Jr. Dies, 38 Shock and sadness spread following the June 30, 2024 death of Kenneth "Kenny" Carr Jr., of Fredericksburg. He was 38 years old. According to his obituary on the Mullins & Thompson Funeral Service website, Carr served in the Marine Corps for 8.5 years and then in the Army, having earned multiple awards and working as a martial arts instructor within the Marines. A father of two, Carr volunteered as a basketball coach in the area, at the military youth center and at the YMCA, his obituary continues.  Tributes on social media suggest Carr's death was unexpected. I never thought I wou…
Support Surges For Widow, Son Of Stafford Worker, 22, Killed In Crash Support Surges For Widow, Son Of Stafford Worker, 22, Killed In Crash
Logan Duff Leaves Behind Beloved Wife, Child One thing is clear: Logan Duff loved his family above all else before his death in Virginia. A community is rallying support for the family of a hard-working 22-year-old man in Virginia who was killed in a crash last month, leaving a void in the hearts of his family and friends. In mid-June, first responders in Caroline County were called to a stretch of the Fredericksburg Turnpike, when Duff reportedly lost control of a pick-up truck and ran off the road after overcorrecting, striking several trees. Duff left behind a loving family, including wife Madison Duff and a child, LJ, sending "sh…
Bright Future Cut Short: Crash Kills Spotsy Motorcyclist, 20, Days Before Birthday Bright Future Cut Short: Crash Kills Spotsy Motorcyclist, 20, Days Before Birthday
Bright Future Cut Short: Crash Kills Spotsy Motorcyclist, 20, Days Before Birthday Angel Gabriel Flores was looking forward to his 21st birthday when he was involved in a fatal motorcycle crash in Spotsylvania, his family says. Late in the afternoon on Saturday, June 8, Flores was involved in a crash with a 74-year-old man in a sedan in the area of Benchmark Road and Cahill Street. Google Maps street view Flores was rushed to an area hospital, where he later died from injuries sustained in the crash, which remains under investigation. The 20-year-old was three days away from his birthday. "He was an amazing brother, and our family is heartbroken by his loss," his si…
Alexandria Pro Wrestler Jermaine 'Dirty Money' Robinson Dies, 44 Alexandria Pro Wrestler Jermaine 'Dirty Money' Robinson Dies, 44
Alexandria Pro Wrestler Jermaine 'Dirty Money' Robinson Dies, 44 Jermaine “Jay” Robinson, a professional wrestler from Alexandria, died on June 2, 2024. He was 50 years old. Robinson, who went by "Dirty Money" in the ring, had been recovering from a double quadricep tear he suffered in the spring, according to DMVprowrestling. A GoFundMe for Robinson's loved ones says his death came suddenly. "Jay was a force of nature—a larger-than-life presence within the community at large," the campaign says. "He was known for his enigmatic nature, kind and generous heart, and relentless passion for fitness and people." Robinson's obituary on the Cunningham Funeral…
Dancers Mourn Loss Of Popular Virginia Instructor Johnathan 'Jeigh Tea' Thomas Dancers Mourn Loss Of Popular Virginia Instructor Johnathan 'Jeigh Tea' Thomas
Dancers Mourn Loss Of Popular Virginia Instructor Johnathan 'Jeigh Tea' Thomas He had charm. He had grace. He was a unique ray of light. This is how Johnathan Thomas, or Jeigh Tea, is being remembered. The 38-year-old Alexandria dance instructor died on May 30, 2024, according to his obituary on the Jefferson Funeral Chapel website. A GoFundMe launched for Jeigh Tea's loved ones had raised more than $7,600 as of press time. An innate performer, Jeigh Tea was "a trained dancer, a trusted coach, and an insightful, full person with an incredible sense of self and style," his obituary reads. "His love and his friendship was a privilege for those who knew him for it was …
Fredericksburg Nurse Loses Wife, 2 Kids, Mother-In-Law In Missouri Crash Fredericksburg Nurse Loses Wife, 2 Kids, Mother-In-Law In Missouri Crash
Fredericksburg Nurse Loses Wife, 2 Kids, Mother-In-Law In Missouri Crash A Fredericksburg nurse is seeing community support after his wife, mother-in-law, and two young children were killed in an out-of-state crash. Roger Quigley, who works for Mary Washington Healthcare, is mourning the loss of Kailen Ritter Quigley, 30, Finn, 7, Lillianna, 4, and Julie Alspaugh, 56, who were killed in a May 17 crash in Missouri. Citing the Missouri State Highway Patrol, ABC17 says an 85-year-old woman failed to yield and struck a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox driven by Alspaugh, sending the SUV into the path of a Freightliner. All but Finn died at the scene, …
Northern VA Dad, 34, Dies Weeks After Crash Returning From Work, Campaign Says Northern VA Dad, 34, Dies Weeks After Crash Returning From Work, Campaign Says
Northern VA Dad, 34, Dies Weeks After Crash Returning From Work, Campaign Says A 34-year-old Northern Virginia man has died weeks after suffering serious injuries in a crash on his way home from work, loved ones say. Dominique Battle, of Stafford, was returning home from work when he suffered a broken femur, broken ankle, and serious head trauma Thursday, April 4, according to a GoFundMe campaign that had been launched for his recovery. Dominique's obituary said he died at the Capital Caring Advance Home Care & Hospice Center in Aldie, VA, on Friday, May 17, 2024. Details in the crash were not immediately available. He is survived by his parents, Lynn D. Coo…
Jocelyn Reyes, 18, Of Loudoun County Dies Jocelyn Reyes, 18, Of Loudoun County Dies
Jocelyn Reyes, 18, Of Loudoun County Dies Jocelyn Reyes, an 18-year-old Loudoun County resident, died on Saturday, May 18. A GoFundMe launched in memory of Reyes, of Leesburg, remembers her as a "sweet, caring, creative, beautiful little girl." On his business Facebook page, Jocelyn's father said she was "amazing" and "full of life." A cause of death was not announced.  A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, May 30, at the Washington Iglesia Apostolica on Braddock Road in Fairfax. A graveside service will be held on Friday, May 31, at the Leesburg Union Cemetery.  Click here for details and here to donate to Jocelyn's f…
Alexandria Attorney, 42, Dies An Organ Donor: 'Last Physical Gifts Exemplify Enormous Heart' Alexandria Attorney, 42, Dies An Organ Donor: 'Last Physical Gifts Exemplify Enormous Heart'
Alexandria Attorney, 42, Dies An Organ Donor: 'Last Physical Gifts Exemplify Enormous Heart' The legacy of a 42-year-old attorney from Alexandria will be kept alive with a brand-new scholarship fund. Mitchell Ethan Lucarelli died on Monday, May 13, according to his obituary on the Elmwood Chapel website. Ethan died an organ donor, "the last physical gifts he gave exemplified his enormous heart and love for others," his obituary says. A cause of death was not made public. An adjunct professor at GWU, Ethan served as the chief of the Federal Communications Commission’s Office of International Affairs (OIA), according to the GWU website.  "Ethan successfully built, and mana…
Popular School Employee Dies Suddenly Spreading Shock Through Fairfax County Popular School Employee Dies Suddenly Spreading Shock Through Fairfax County
Popular School Employee Dies Suddenly Spreading Shock Through Fairfax County The sudden death of a 43-year-old school employee and father is spreading shockwaves through Fairfax County. Matt Rice, of Fairax, died unexpectedly on May 18, 2024, according to his obituary on the Fairfax Memorial Home website.  Posted by Matt Rice on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 He leaves behind his wife, Christina; son, Clayton; parents, Ronald and Shannon; brother, sister-in-law, and niece, Ryan, Lindsay, and Rylea, mother-in-law, Cynthia Miller and brother-in-law, Ryan Fowler, and countless more. A GoFundMe for Matt's family had raised more than $51,000 as of press time…
Arlington Photographer Who Divulged Silver Lining Of Cancer Diagnosis Dies, 41 Arlington Photographer Who Divulged Silver Lining Of Cancer Diagnosis Dies, 41
Arlington Photographer Who Divulged Silver Lining Of Cancer Diagnosis Dies, 41 Rachel Hegarty, an Arlington photographer, has died after battling cancer for more than a year. Hegarty, 41, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2024 surrounded by her family, according to her obituary on the Murphy Funeral Homes website. Pic by Cait Kramer Photography Makeup by Carla Pressley - Makeup/Hair Stylist Hair by CUTTING EDGE BY MORA Posted by Rachel E.H. Photography on Tuesday, July 12, 2022 Hegarty had been diagnosed with Stage 3 cervical cancer on Valentine's Day of 2023. Last year, she told Daily Voice that the silver living of her diagnosis is that it brought her closer…
Death Of Former Loudoun County Football Player Spreads Shock, Sadness Death Of Former Loudoun County Football Player Spreads Shock, Sadness
Death Of Former Loudoun County Football Player Spreads Shock, Sadness Profound sadness spread following the death of former Loudoun County football player Jayson Herd. Herd, 21, who played for Independence High School before graduating in 2022 died on Saturday, May 18. In a Facebook post, Jayson's mother said she found him unresponsive.  Circumstances around Herd's death were not immediately clear. Jayson was my niece's big brother. Their mother found him unresponsive early Saturday morning and tried to revive him.... Posted by Joi N. Jude on Monday, May 20, 2024 More than $12,500 had been raised on a GoFundMe for Herd's family as of press time. A memor…
Ryan Jones, Fairfax County Sommelier, Dies After Cancer Battle, 40 Ryan Jones, Fairfax County Sommelier, Dies After Cancer Battle, 40
Ryan Jones, Fairfax County Sommelier, Dies After Cancer Battle, 40 Ryan Jones, 40, a certified Sommelier from Fairfax County, died on May 13, 2024 at his childhood home surrounded by family after a battle with neuroendocrine carcinoma, his obituary on the Demaine Funeral Home site says.  Ryan graduated from Fairfax High School and went on to attend Radford University, where he was a member of the 2003 Division II National Champion Rugby Team, his obituary reads.  According to his LinkedIn page, Ryan earned a degree in sports medicine but would go on to become a certified sommelier. He earned a WSET Level 3 Award in Wines and S…
Goodbye Tattoo Tom: DMV Pediatric Cancer Community Loses Pillar Of Strength Goodbye Tattoo Tom: DMV Pediatric Cancer Community Loses Pillar Of Strength
Goodbye Tattoo Tom: DMV Pediatric Cancer Community Loses Pillar Of Strength Members of the pediatric cancer community across the DMV are mourning the loss of Thomas Miller, who died unexpectedly on April 18, according to a campaign launched in support of his children. Miller, who was more well-known as Tattoo Tom, founded the StillBrave Childhood Cancer Foundation as a single dad, in honor of his daughter, Shayla. On the StillBrave website, Tom detailed how his daughter's sinus infection turned out to be a massive cancerous tumor consuming two thirds of her chest, he wrote on the StillBrave website. After her death, Tom went on to dedicate more than a decade of hi…