The Ford F-150 driver had a green light and was doing absolutely nothing wrong when Timothy Harrison’s moped came barreling through the red signal, turning an ordinary November morning into a sudden and heartbreaking death scene. Harrison, 56, was well-known throughout his Roanoke neighborhood as a genuinely kind and helpful presence—the sort of neighbor who offered a hand before anyone needed to ask. But at 8:29 a.m.
on November 5, 2025, a single mistake changed everything. Traveling north on 5th Street SW, Harrison failed to stop at the red light and entered the intersection at Elm Avenue SW, where he collided head-on with the eastbound Ford F-150.The impact was violent and immediate, sending Harrison and his moped sprawling across the pavement.
Witnesses called 911 within seconds, their voices frantic as they described the severity of the crash. When police and emergency crews arrived, they found Harrison suffering from catastrophic, life-threatening injuries. Paramedics worked urgently, administering aid on the asphalt and quickly preparing him for transport, but the damage was overwhelming.
Despite their efforts, Harrison succumbed to his injuries, marking yet another tragic reminder of how fragile and unpredictable life on the road can be.The driver of the Ford truck was physically unharmed, but deeply shaken by what had unfolded. Investigators emphasized that the motorist bore no responsibility—the driver had the right of way, and Harrison’s decision to run the light left no chance to avoid the collision.
Officers spent the remainder of the morning documenting the scene, reviewing traffic-camera footage, and speaking with witnesses to ensure clarity in the final report.Harrison’s death has cast a pall over his neighborhood, where residents mourn the abrupt loss of a man remembered for his warmth, generosity, and steady presence in the community.
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