Kentucky Opera General Director David Roth Dies in Car Accident

David Roth, general director of the Kentucky Opera for nine years, died in a car accident while returning to Louisville after visiting family on Sunday, July 19, 2015. He was 56.

According to The Courier-Journal, Roth was traveling east on Interstate 74 in central Illinois at around 9 p.m. when his Hyundai Elantra went off the road and into a ditch, eventually striking a tree.

Roth was wearing his seatbelt. He was given CPR at the scene and taken to a hospital in Urbana, Ill., where he was pronounced dead.

The Kentucky Opera said in a statement on its Facebook page, "It is with profound and unspeakable sorrow that we must inform you that our dear friend and Kentucky Opera leader, David Roth, died in a car accident last night...David was a positive and powerful presence in the lives of many of us. He will be deeply missed. Please join us in extending our heartfelt condolences to his family."

Colleagues credited Roth with "reinventing opera in the United States," taking risks with both repertoire and performers, and giving "opportunities to everyone from composers to singers."

Christy Kramer, former Kentucky Opera board president and current member, told the Journal that the company is collaborating with Roth's partner, Bryce Hudson, to plan a musical tribute.