Roanoke Man Charged with DUI and Manslaughter After Fatal Crash That Killed 22-Year-Old Woman
ROANOKE, Va. — A 21-year-old man has been arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI) and manslaughter in connection with a violent crash that killed a young woman early Sunday morning in northwest Roanoke.
Xaviar James Gaither, a resident of Roanoke, is facing multiple charges following the fatal wreck that occurred around 3:24 a.m. on May 18, 2025, at the intersection of Gainsboro Road and Harrison Avenue NW.
According to the Roanoke Police Department, officers responded to the scene after receiving reports of a serious single-vehicle accident. When they arrived, they discovered a horrifying scene: a BMW 540i resting upside down in a tree, with four people involved in the crash — two women trapped inside the vehicle and two men outside.
One of the women inside the car, 22-year-old Brooklin Makhia Goff, a resident of Bedford, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her untimely death has left her family, friends, and the greater Bedford and Roanoke communities devastated.
The second woman in the vehicle and one of the men were transported to a nearby hospital. Authorities report that the woman has since been released, while the man remains hospitalized with serious injuries.
Preliminary findings from the investigation indicate that Gaither was the driver of the vehicle. He is accused of speeding northbound on Gainsboro Road in the left lane in the early morning hours when he attempted to abruptly shift back into the right lane near the intersection with Patton Avenue NW. In doing so, police say the car struck a curb on the east side of the street, veered off the road, collided with a street light, and then went airborne — eventually crashing into a tree where it landed upside down.
Police believe Gaither was under the influence at the time of the crash, leading to the DUI and manslaughter charges. Investigators are now working closely with the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office to determine whether additional charges will be filed as the case progresses.
The crash has prompted fresh concerns from residents about reckless driving and impaired operation of vehicles — issues that continue to affect communities across the nation. Friends of Brooklin Goff are mourning her death, describing her as a kind, vibrant young woman with a bright future ahead. Social media tributes have begun to appear, with many expressing shock and sorrow at the sudden loss.
“This is heartbreaking,” one friend posted. “Brooklin was the kind of person who made everyone around her smile. I can’t believe she’s gone.”
Local officials and community leaders are urging drivers to think twice before getting behind the wheel while impaired, highlighting the irreversible consequences that can result from poor decisions on the road.
“Every single one of these tragedies is preventable,” said a spokesperson for the Roanoke Police Department. “It’s a reminder of how quickly lives can be lost when alcohol and speed are mixed behind the wheel.”
Gaither is currently in police custody, and his case will proceed through the Roanoke judicial system. Details about bond, court appearances, or additional charges have not yet been made public.
As investigators continue to gather evidence and reconstruct the events leading up to the crash, Brooklin Goff’s family is left grappling with the loss of a daughter, sister, and friend. A memorial is expected to be organized in her honor in the coming days.
The Roanoke Police Department is asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has relevant information to contact their tip line as the investigation remains ongoing.