Fundraiser for South Lakes Teenager Killed in Reston Parkway Accident

A fundraiser is being held for the family of the 17-year-old who was struck and killed by a car while crossing Reston Parkway the night of July 1.

Jose Antonio Villatoro was a rising senior at South Lakes High School when his life was abruptly cut short. He was struck by an oncoming car on Reston Parkway when he attempted to cross the street a little after 9 p.m. Now friends and family recall positive memories of Jose and join together to ensure his optimistic attitude will live on.

In his time away from school, Jose worked at the Hunter’s Woods Safeway in Reston to help his family with financial expenses. Even though Jose only began working in April 2009, his coworkers easily remember his smiling face and gracious attitude.

In order to ensure a proper memorial service for Jose, Safeway employees along with South Lakes High School have joined together to raise funds for the family. Signs are posted throughout the store to encourage shoppers to donate money and take a moment to honor the memory of young Jose.

So far, more than $8,000 has been raised for the Villatoro family.

“The response has been unbelievable,” says Lindsay Trout, assistant principal for the 11th grade at South Lakes. “The students, faculty and alumni have really pulled together. The South Lakes community is a very rare group. It’s family at its very best.”

For more information on how to donate, contact David Schnoor at the Hunter’s Woods Safeway at (703) 716-4193, or send a donation, payable to "South Lakes High School", with "Jose Memorial Fund" in memo line, to South Lakes High School, c/o Lindsay Trout, 11400 South Lakes Drive, Reston, VA 20191