New details released about accident that killed Roanoke City firefighter

ROANOKE COUNTY (WSLS 10) - Interviews with witnesses reveal more about what happened during a crash that killed a Roanoke City firefighter Thursday.

The accident happened at the intersection of Brambleton Avenue and Ranchcrest Drive sometime before 7 a.m. Thursday.

Public Information Officer Amy Whittaker said a Jeep was headed north on Brambleton Ave. It had been reported to dispatchers as driving erratically before the crash.

Whittaker said a Kia was making a lawful left turn onto Ranchcrest Drive when the Jeep entered the intersection, on a red light from the left turn lane, hitting the Kia.

The Jeep was said to have rolled over several times, ejecting the driver.

The Jeep was driven by 25-year-old Roanoke City firefighter Jesse Daniel Clingenpeel, of Roanoke County. He died at the hospital following a two-vehicle accident just before 7:00 a.m.

The driver of the Kia was identified as Basir Kahn, 27, of Roanoke City. He was not hurt in the crash.

North and southbound Brambleton Avenue reopened around 2 p.m. Traffic was being diverted onto Ranchcrest Drive. Police continue to investigate and interview witnesses. No charges were immediately filed.

The Roanoke Fire-EMS Department posted this status to their Facebook page Thursday: 

It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness and regret that Roanoke Fire-EMS announces the passing of one of our brothers, Jesse Clingenpeel. Firefighter-EMT Clingenpeel, age 25, was killed in a motor vehicle crash this morning on Brambleton Ave. in Roanoke County. He was on his way to work at Roanoke Fire-EMS Station 4 located on Peters Creek Rd., SW. Jesse was hired by Roanoke Fire-EMS in 2013. He was a decorated veteran and was a very special person that will be sorely missed by all of us. Please keep his family and friends and our department in your thoughts and prayers as we go through this difficult time. Rest easy brother - we will take it from here......