SHARE

'Gentle Giant' Dies In Route 109 Car Crash In Dover, Family Remembers Selfless Spirit

A 51-year-old father who "suffered quietly with Leukemia" was found by police, unresponsive and without a pulse, after a car crash that would claim his life, officials say. 

Keith James

Keith James

Photo Credit: GoFundMe / "Keith James’ Celebration of Life&Funeral Expenses"

Keith James, who was referred to as "the Bear" by his daughters, was traveling on Route 109 when, due to "yet unknown reasons," his vehicle crossed the center line and struck a pole, the Dover Police Department told Daily Voice. 

Responding police officers administered CPR and he was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead, on Thursday, May 18. 

For his family, Keith's unexpected passing is one of "life’s greatest losses," according to a GoFundMe created by one of his children to raise money for his funeral expenses. 

"Anyone who was fortunate enough to know or befriend my father, not only knew his electric smile and contagious laugh, but that his selflessness knew no limit," Keith's daughter Breanna James wrote in the GoFundMe campaign description. 

"From dropping everything at an instant's notice, to a comforting conversation or covering a shift for a coworker, there is nothing he wouldn’t do for the ones he loved," Breanna continued. 

Keith worked to help those suffering from homelessness, and worked closely with people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, the GoFundMe said.

"Due to the sudden and unexpected nature of his passing, we were not prepared," Keith's daughter Breanna wrote. "The absence of my father’s authenticity, loyalty, hard work, and dedication will forever be one of this life’s greatest losses."

Donations collected from the fundraiser will be used to cover the costs of Keith's funeral/celebration of life and his cremation, the GoFundMe said. 

Any funds raised beyond those needs will be donated to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, in honor of Keith's battle with Leukemia.

"I am overwhelmed and overjoyed by all the support shown thus far and cannot thank you all enough for helping our family during this very difficult time," Breanna wrote.

Click here to view the GoFundMe campaign.

to follow Daily Voice Norfolk and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE