ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – An Orange County Animal Services employee was killed Tuesday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash in Orange County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The crash happened at John Young Parkway and Lazlo Lane at 2:30 p.m.
Troopers said Lilliana Rojas, 20, was driving her 2007 Toyota Scion south on John Young Parkway when she lost control for an unknown reason and crossed the grass median into the northbound lane, crashing into Joseph Campo's 1989 Ford Mustang head-on.
Campo, 31, died in the crash. Rojas suffered minor injuries.
The crash is not believed to have been alcohol-related and both drivers were wearing their seat belts. Troopers said Rojas turned around to tend to her infant in the back seat and by the time she turned around, she was in the wrong lane.
FHP said charges are pending against Rojas.
OCAS officials said Campo was an enforcement officer who was fatally struck while on his way to work.
"Joe was the adoring father of a beautiful young son, a dedicated family man and an incredible member of our team who will be deeply missed," Animal Service officials said in a statement.
"Joe had joined Orange County Animal Services in 2013 and worked his way up through the ranks. He was always someone you could call for anything. We are heartbroken. Today, and the next few days will be incredibly difficult for all who loved him, especially the team at Orange County Animal Services. We ask for your continued prayers of comfort and support at this time and ask that you join us in keeping his family and loved ones in your thoughts."
Campo was also a member of the Orlando City Soccer fan club, The Ruckus. The team tweeted its condolences on Wednesday.
"Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of @RuckusOrlando supporter Joe Campo. We'll miss your passionate support leading The Wall," the tweet read.
The Ruckus says Campo was a longtime supporter and known as the Purple Deadpool. He lead fans in chants during matches and his love for the Lions were felt by everyone.
"He always lead with kindness and lead with a passion that so many people loved and respected," Jerry Updike, the president of The Ruckus, said. "He just connected with people and he had a way to basically reach in them and say, 'This is passion you're giving me, but I know you can give me more.' And they gave him more."
Campo's girlfriend, Corinne Battersby, told News 6 he was a fun and loving person who touched every person he met.
"There's an entire city of people that are hurting with me because so many people loved him," Battersby said.
The only thing Campo loved more than Orlando City Soccer was his 4-year-old son, Tony, she said.
"He loved Tony with all of his heart, more than anything in the world and would do anything for him," she said.
Friends and family say Campo's presence will be missed at the stadium, adding there will be a big hole in The Wall during Saturday's charity match to benefit Puerto Rico.
"It's going to be so weird," Updike said. "He's occupied that space for so long,"
Battersby tells News 6 all the love and support she has received, from people who knew Campo and those who didn't, gives her hope that his legacy will live on.
"I feel alone without him. I know that I'm not alone here and so many people are with me, and it makes it a little bit more bearable," she said.
A GoFundMe page has been created to help pay for Campo's memorial service.