Detroit Community Mourns the Tragic Loss of Darnell Currie Jr. and A’millah Currie
Detroit, MI – On Thursday, February 20, 2025, the community of Detroit came together to mourn the tragic loss of two young lives, 9-year-old Darnell Currie Jr. and his 2-year-old sister, A’millah Currie.
The siblings, who tragically passed away the previous week, were the victims of a heart-wrenching incident where they apparently froze to death while sleeping in a van downtown.
Their funeral at Triumph Church, a center of solace and support for many in the area, was a poignant moment for friends, family, and the wider community. The sorrow was palpable as more than 150 mourners gathered to pay their respects.
The service reflected the innocence and youthful energy that Darnell and A’millah represented, as images of their lives and interests filled the room.
A’millah’s tiny pink casket was surrounded by stuffed animals, a testament to her young age and the joyful spirit she once embodied. She was the younger sibling, her life barely begun at just 2 years old. Nearby, a much larger casket held Darnell Jr., whose love for football and sports had been a defining part of his childhood.
A framed jersey bearing the number 19, alongside a football helmet, was displayed beside his casket. These items spoke to his passion for the sport and the promise of a future cut tragically short.
The funeral service was a mixture of grief and celebration of their short, yet vibrant lives. Children, some in pink hair bows and others dressed in football jerseys, said their final goodbyes to their friends. Pastor Solomon Kinloch of Triumph Church led the service, his words offering both comfort and a reminder of the fragility of life.
“We never assume that we’re going to bury our children. We assume that our children are going to live longer than us or they’re going to bury us,” Pastor Kinloch said during his eulogy. His words resonated deeply with those in attendance, underscoring the unimaginable pain that the Currie family must be experiencing.
The siblings’ untimely death has raised serious concerns about homelessness and the safety of children in vulnerable situations. It was reported that Darnell and A’millah were found in a van, and the exact circumstances surrounding their deaths are still under investigation.
However, the incident has shed light on the harsh realities many families in Detroit face, including inadequate shelter and the risk of exposure to dangerous conditions.
As news of the tragedy spread, the community rallied together, offering their support to the grieving family. Local organizations and the church have begun to coordinate efforts to help ensure such a devastating event does not happen again.
Many have raised their voices in advocacy for improved resources for homeless families and the importance of protecting children from such dangerous situations.
The funeral itself served not just as a time of mourning but also as a call to action. The community in Detroit, already familiar with hardship, is now more determined than ever to push for changes in how the city cares for its most vulnerable residents. As the Currie family buries their children, their loss will undoubtedly inspire a movement aimed at preventing further tragedies.
Darnell Jr. and A’millah may have lived only a short time, but their impact on the lives of those who knew them, as well as the broader community, will resonate for years to come.
The memory of their joyful spirits, their love for each other, and their deep connection to their community will not be forgotten. The city of Detroit, though forever changed by their loss, is united in its grief and its resolve to create a safer, more supportive environment for all of its children.