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Community Support

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…
Former HS Football Star Killed In Virginia Motorcycle Crash Was Expectant Father Former HS Football Star Killed In Virginia Motorcycle Crash Was Expectant Father
Former HS Football Star Killed In Virginia Motorcycle Crash Was Expectant Father 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…
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…
22-Year-Old Killed In Virginia Crash 'Created Lasting Impact On Every Person She Met' 22-Year-Old Killed In Virginia Crash 'Created Lasting Impact On Every Person She Met'
22-Year-Old Killed In Virginia Crash 'Created Lasting Impact On Every Person She Met' Megan Taylor had an entire life to look forward to before she was killed in a reported head-on crash in Virginia. The 22-year-old Herndon resident was involved in a crash involving her Honda Civic and a Toyota Highlander SUV late on Friday night near the intersection of Ashburn Village Road and Fultonham Circle in Ashburn. Taylor died from injuries sustained in the crash. The other driver and passengers inside the Toyota were all taken to local hospitals, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office. She was hours away from her birthday. our sweet megan passed away last night in a…
Mother Calls For End To Gun Violence After Toddler Shot During Day Care Walk In DC Mother Calls For End To Gun Violence After Toddler Shot During Day Care Walk In DC
Mother Calls For End To Gun Violence After Toddler Shot During Day Care Walk In DC A mother whose toddler was struck by gunfire in Southeast DC is calling on the community to cease the violence that has plagued the city for years. A 2-year-old girl was caught in the crossfire of a shooting earlier this month that left two dead and two others with serious injuries, now she is recovering in a hospital bed a week later. The girl was reportedly struck while going on her daily walk with her day care class, and she was still in the ICU as of Thursday afternoon. Her mother said it was only the second week she was at the facility after she was hesitant to enroll her. "I have car…
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, …
Support Surges For Widow, Son Of Stafford Worker, 22, Killed In Crash Support Surges For Widow, Son Of Stafford Worker, 22, Killed In Crash
Support Surges For Widow, Son Of Stafford Worker, 22, Killed In Crash 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…
Two Charged After 16-Year-Old Killed In Double Maryland Shooting, Police Say Two Charged After 16-Year-Old Killed In Double Maryland Shooting, Police Say
Two Charged After 16-Year-Old Killed In Double Maryland Shooting, Police Say Two 21-year-old suspects have been charged in connection to the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Juan Roach in Prince George's County late last month, authorities announced. District resident Akiya Bagley and Walter Plummer, of Suitland, have been been identified and face charges for their role in a double shooting that left one dead and one injured. Officers from the Prince George's County Police Department were called at around 6:40 p.m. on Thursday, June 27 to investigate reports of shots fired in the 7400 block of Towne Park Road. Google Maps street view Upon arrival, they found Ro…
Community Coming Together To Support Retiree Whose Condo Was Destroyed In Virginia Fire Community Coming Together To Support Retiree Whose Condo Was Destroyed In Virginia Fire
Community Coming Together To Support Retiree Whose Condo Was Destroyed In Virginia Fire A tight-knit community is rallying around a retired woman whose home was destroyed by a fire earlier this month in Prince William County.  Patti Simpson, a member of the Montclair Mews community, was among the victims who were displaced by a blaze that broke out in the 163000 block of Taconic Circle in Dumfries on Saturday, June 15. Townhouse Fire Saturday, June 15, 2024 7:57 PM Yesterday evening units were dispatched to the 16300 blk of Taconic... Posted by Prince William County Fire & Rescue System on Sunday, June 16, 2024 Four townhomes were damaged, with three - inclu…
Golden Gloves Boxing Champion Killed In Targeted Maryland Shooting, Police Say Golden Gloves Boxing Champion Killed In Targeted Maryland Shooting, Police Say
Golden Gloves Boxing Champion Killed In Targeted Maryland Shooting, Police Say A boxer from Maryland died at an area hospital following an overnight shooting in Anne Arundel County, police say. Odenton native Isaiah Oludayo Olugbemi, a well-known fighter in the DMV, has been identified by investigators as the person who was found suffering from fatal gunshot wounds on Monday night in what police described as a targeted shooting. Multiple residents in the neighborhood reported shots fired at approximately 9:45 p.m. on Monday, June 17 to the area of Meadowmist Way and Stehlik Drive, and responding officers from the Anne Arundel County Police Department found Olugbemi do…
'Angel On Earth:' Grandmother Killed In DC Carjacking Mourned As Selfless 'Angel On Earth:' Grandmother Killed In DC Carjacking Mourned As Selfless
'Angel On Earth:' Grandmother Killed In DC Carjacking Mourned As Selfless A 55-year-old woman who died as the result of a carjacking in Washington DC is being mourned for her altruism Leslie Gaines was sitting in the front seat of a Mazda SUV outside of Washington Hospital Center around 1:10 p.m. Monday, June 3, when her daughter got out to get her a wheelchair, DC Metro police said. That's when 22-year-old Kayla Brown hopped behind the wheel and drove away, Gaines still in the car. Around 1:30 p.m., Brown tried to turn left from 6th Street NW onto D Street, but failed to negotiate the turn and crashed into a building. Brown got out and tried to flee on foot but…