Melissa Campanella, a respected figure in the Southern Nevada commercial real estate industry, tragically lost her life in a severe accident in Dallas last week.
According to reports, Campanella was a passenger in a Lyft vehicle that was struck by a train on July 9 while she was visiting Texas for a family gathering.
NewMarket Advisors founder Chuck Creigh confirmed her passing, noting that she was a beloved member of their team and was one of the first agents to join the firm.
“She was not only the light in every room but also the laughter on our hardest days,” her family expressed in a heartfelt message shared by Creigh.
They added, “The love she shared with those in her life was infectious, unconditional, and endless.
With her loss, we have all lost a piece of ourselves.
Please keep our family in your prayers as we try to find our way through a world that feels dimmer without her in it.”
Creigh deeply mourned Campanella’s death, describing her as the nicest person one could ever meet and a wonderful colleague.
Underlining the tragic nature of the accident, he stated, “It’s just tragic.”
Reports from WFAA-TV Channel 8 in Dallas indicated that the vehicle was struck at a railway crossing.
The driver of the vehicle, identified as Elio Jose Acosta Rojas, along with Campanella, were pronounced dead at the scene.
Preliminary investigations by the Dallas Area Rapid Transit system revealed that the vehicle made an abrupt turn into oncoming rail traffic, leading to the catastrophic collision.
Both the driver and passenger’s deaths have been classified as accidental by the Dallas County Medical Examiner’s office.
In response to this devastating incident, Lyft released a statement conveying their condolences.
“Our hearts are with the loved ones of both the driver and the rider following this heartbreaking tragedy,” the company said.
They added, “We are working to get in touch with their families to offer support during this incredibly difficult time.”
Melissa Campanella was originally from New Jersey and relocated to Las Vegas to pursue her education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in marketing in 1997.
Her career in real estate began in 2003 when she took on the role of leasing assistant at American Nevada Co.
She subsequently worked as a leasing associate for Focus Property Group in 2004, before joining NewMarket Advisors in 2006, where she spent a significant part of her career focusing on leasing and investment sales.
After a brief hiatus where she explored opportunities with other firms, Campanella returned to NewMarket Advisors in 2017, continuing her impactful work in the industry.
She is survived by her husband, Antonio “Tony” Campanella; her stepson; her mother; and a wide network of relatives and friends.
A celebration of her life will take place on July 23 at St. Thomas More Catholic Community church in Henderson, allowing family and friends to honor her memory during this difficult time.
image source from：reviewjournal
