A Family Shattered: The Sudden Loss of DaRon Craig
Life can change in the blink of an eye — and for the family of DaRon Craig, it changed twice in just a matter of hours. Last week, DaRon was walking along a Portland sidewalk when a vehicle struck him, ending his life instantly. Known for his warm smile and deep love for his children, DaRon’s death has left his family and friends in disbelief.
On Friday evening, the community gathered for a vigil to remember the man they had lost far too soon. Candles flickered, stories were shared, and tears fell freely as loved ones honored his memory. No one could have imagined that before the grief of that night had settled, a second tragedy was already on its way.
Fire Strikes Hours After Vigil: “How Much More Can You Endure?”
In the early hours of Saturday morning, Angeline McKinney-Craig — DaRon’s ex-wife and lifelong friend — awoke to the smell of smoke. Just hours earlier, she had hosted a barbecue before the vigil, a small comfort in the midst of sorrow. According to Portland Fire and Rescue, embers from that barbecue may have landed on bark chips in the front yard, sparking a blaze that damaged the family home.
“When I opened the front door, smoke completely filled the area,” Angeline recalled. “I collapsed to the ground, overwhelmed by the question: how much more can you lose? How much more can you endure?” She quickly got the children to safety, but the home suffered significant smoke damage, making it uninhabitable. What had been their only source of stability was now gone, replaced with the uncertainty of temporary hotel living.
Community Rallies in the Face of Unthinkable Loss
Amid the heartbreak, the people of Portland have stepped forward to support Angeline and her children. Donations have poured in, with nearly $26,000 raised on GoFundMe for DaRon’s funeral expenses and to help the family start over. Neighbors, friends, and strangers alike have offered meals, clothing, and words of encouragement, showing that even in times of darkness, compassion can be a guiding light.
For Angeline, the road ahead is filled with challenges, but also with the love and support of a community determined to help them heal. “Everything is happening at once, and it’s overwhelming,” she admitted. Yet the memory of DaRon — his kindness, his laughter, his devotion to family — remains a source of strength.
As the family works to rebuild their lives, they carry with them the hope that out of loss can come unity, and out of tragedy can come resilience. In Portland, DaRon Craig’s name will not be forgotten — not only for the way he died, but for the way he lived and the love he left behind.
