Darnell Harris: The Steak 'N Shake Shooting Hero

8/1 Update:

We can't thank you enough. It's simply amazing that this community came together and raised over $18k in memory of Darnell. We have been working behind the scenes with the family, coordinated by the great folks over at CMPD victim services, and we have come up with a plan for these contributions. We've broken down the direct impacts from Darnell's tragic passing (from headstone and funeral costs, to direct impacts to the family), and these funds will be directly withdrawn by Deidra Coleman (Darnell's sister) to ensure they are deployed in the manner we have planned. We are also working directly with Doug Lebda, who has generously agreed to match this $18k, on deploying that towards a charitable initiative that relates to Darnell's passions and allows his legacy to live on. More updates to come on that front. 

Thanks to all who have been so generous,

Tariq


Charlotte Community:

LendingTree CEO Doug Lebda and CLT City Councilman Tariq Bokhari were moved by this week’s tragic story of Steak ‘N Shake worker Darnell Harris and wanted to help. Darnell stood up to protect his coworkers during a robbery and lost his life. We know the Harris family has these tragically unexpected funeral costs, and are working with both the family and CMPD to see what other needs may exist.

To kick this off, Doug is going to match all donations up to $20,000.

So let’s pull together and help a hero’s family.

Doug and Tariq

Here's is how his family described Darnell this week:

“As you continue to talk about this tragedy please feel free to let people know that Darnell was loved by many. He was an uncle, son, cousin, brother and dear friend. He was quiet. He was a hard worker. We are not shocked to learn that he would step in to defend his coworkers and even strangers, because that’s just who he was. He was a great man and a protector and we will miss him,” cousin Tylar Johnson said in a statement.