Steven Karambelas Obituary, Death – A pedestrian who lost his life in a traffic accident last Friday night on Jake Alexander Boulevard West in Salisbury has been officially identified. Salisbury police confirmed that the victim was 57-year-old Steven Karambelas. Prior to notifying his immediate family, Karambelas was referred to only by his nickname “Reno,” which is how he was known to those close to him.
The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. as Karambelas was attempting to cross Jake Alexander Boulevard. According to his longtime partner Angie, the two had been walking with a mutual friend and were heading toward the Speedway gas station so Karambelas could get a drink. Angie and the friend had successfully made it to the other side of the road when she realized Karambelas wasn’t with them. She turned back to check on him and saw him beginning to cross the street. She tried to get his attention, but before he could react, Karambelas was struck by an oncoming car.
Emergency services responded quickly, but the injuries Karambelas sustained proved fatal. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police say they followed standard procedures in withholding his name until they could confirm that his next of kin had been properly notified. Although Angie had been in a committed relationship with Karambelas for nine years and had witnessed the tragic event unfold, authorities explained that she did not meet the legal requirements to be considered an immediate family member for notification purposes, as the couple was not married. As a result, the police had to locate and notify Karambelas’ brother before releasing his full identity to the public.
This delay in identification reflects the department’s policy to protect the dignity and privacy of victims and their families. By waiting to notify next of kin before releasing a name, authorities aim to avoid additional trauma for families learning of a death from the media or other indirect sources.
Karambelas’ death has deeply affected those who knew him. Angie, devastated by the sudden loss, recounted the final moments with emotion, stating that it all happened too quickly for her to intervene. What was supposed to be a routine trip turned tragic in seconds.
Jake Alexander Boulevard, where the accident happened, is a busy roadway that has seen its share of pedestrian incidents in recent years. Though specific details about the vehicle or driver involved in the crash were not included in the police’s latest report, investigations are likely ongoing to determine whether any charges or citations are appropriate. So far, there has been no indication of wrongdoing or impaired driving.
The community has begun mourning the loss of Karambelas, known by friends as Reno, who was remembered by those close to him as a familiar face and kind soul. Angie and others who knew him now face the difficult task of moving forward in the wake of this sudden and tragic loss.
While Karambelas’ death is now officially documented, it underscores a broader concern about pedestrian safety across busy intersections. Jake Alexander Boulevard, like many major roads across the country, poses particular risks for pedestrians, especially at night when visibility is reduced. The circumstances of Karambelas’ death may add to ongoing conversations about road safety, lighting, and pedestrian crosswalks in the Salisbury area.
The Salisbury Police Department is continuing to look into the accident to gather all relevant facts. This includes statements from witnesses, surveillance footage, and the driver’s account of what happened. While no additional information has been released about the driver or potential contributing factors such as speed or road conditions, the community remains hopeful that the investigation will provide a clear understanding of the tragedy.
For now, the focus remains on supporting those left behind, especially Angie, who not only lost a partner of nearly a decade but also witnessed the heartbreaking final moments of his life. The grief and shock she expressed is shared by friends and acquaintances who knew Karambelas as more than just a name in a police report.
His death serves as a painful reminder of the fragile line between routine and catastrophe and highlights the need for continued attention to pedestrian safety in urban environments. Whether through improved signage, crosswalk signals, or public awareness campaigns, officials may look to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
In conclusion, Steven “Reno” Karambelas’ untimely death has touched many in Salisbury. The incident is a somber chapter in the city’s recent history, bringing with it renewed calls for empathy, safety, and the importance of recognizing the lives behind the headlines.
