Des Moines Mourns Loss of Andrew Verwers, 53, Killed in Hit-and-Run; Suspect Mario Campos Arrested
DES MOINES, IOWA — A devastating hit-and-run crash that occurred on the evening of June 23rd has shaken the city of Des Moines, claiming the life of 53-year-old Andrew Verwers and leaving family, friends, and the broader community mourning a loss that many say was completely preventable. The man allegedly responsible, 44-year-old Mario Campos, has been arrested and is now facing multiple charges, including vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of a fatal accident.
According to the Des Moines Police Department, the incident occurred just after 9 p.m. near the intersection of East 14th Street and University Avenue—a busy area often trafficked by both pedestrians and vehicles. Witnesses say Verwers was walking along the side of the road when he was struck by a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. The driver fled the scene immediately, leaving Verwers critically injured and unresponsive.
Emergency crews arrived within minutes and rushed Verwers to a nearby hospital, where he tragically succumbed to his injuries. The sudden and violent nature of his death has left loved ones reeling and a city demanding answers.
Through surveillance footage, eyewitness accounts, and diligent investigative work, authorities were able to identify Campos as the suspect. He was apprehended within 48 hours of the crash and taken into custody without incident. Police say Campos not only fled the scene but attempted to conceal evidence by hiding his damaged vehicle. He now faces a range of charges, including vehicular homicide by reckless driving, failure to render aid, and tampering with evidence.
“This was a heartbreaking and completely avoidable tragedy,” said Des Moines Police Chief Dana Wingert during a press briefing. “Andrew Verwers lost his life because someone chose to flee rather than take responsibility. Thanks to the tireless work of our officers and the public’s cooperation, we have made an arrest—but the pain for Andrew’s loved ones remains.”
Andrew Verwers, a longtime Des Moines resident, was known for his kind demeanor, steady work ethic, and love for his family. He worked for more than 20 years as a maintenance technician and was widely respected by colleagues and neighbors alike. Friends describe him as “the guy who would give you the shirt off his back,” always willing to lend a hand or offer a kind word.
“He was someone you could count on—quiet, thoughtful, always smiling,” said longtime friend Mark Dinsmore. “It’s just crushing to think he’s gone, especially like this.”
In the days following the tragedy, a memorial of flowers, candles, and handwritten notes has grown at the crash site. Community members have also organized a vigil to honor Verwers’ life and call attention to the dangers of reckless driving and the importance of remaining at the scene of an accident.
Verwers is survived by two adult children, a grandson he adored, and a close-knit circle of friends and family who are struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss.
“I never thought I’d be planning my dad’s funeral like this,” said his daughter, Jessica Verwers. “He was walking. He wasn’t hurting anyone. He didn’t deserve to be left on the street like that. We want justice, but we also want people to remember who he was.”
Legal proceedings for Campos are expected to begin in the coming weeks, and the Polk County District Attorney’s Office has indicated that they will pursue the case to the fullest extent of the law. If convicted, Campos could face significant prison time.
As Des Moines mourns, many are calling for stricter enforcement of hit-and-run laws and more public awareness around the consequences of leaving the scene of an accident. Community leaders and lawmakers have vowed to explore policy solutions that will help prevent tragedies like this from occurring again.
In the midst of heartbreak, the life of Andrew Verwers is being remembered not for the tragic way it ended, but for the warmth, kindness, and integrity he brought to everyone he met