PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A 34-year-old Vancouver man with no underlying conditions died from COVID-19 this week.
Danh Tran “was one of the most genuine, caring, real guys out there,” said his friend, Mark Woodford in a statement on a GoFundMe page.”There are more people that consider him a best friend and that was the way he lived. The life of the party and always there. More than that he was a fiancé and soon to be the husband to his beloved Jessica….”
His is only the second death in Clark County of someone without any underlying health conditions.
GoFundMe: Danh Tran’s final arrangements
Phillip Bracero told KOIN 6 News he knew Danh since high school and that Danh always lit up a room and never missed a chance to make a new friend.
“He had more friends than anybody I know,” Phillip said. “He was like that in high school and he was still like that today which is why this death is so tragic.”
Phillip said Danh had been in quarantine at his home and his fiance, Jessica, was caring for him.
“Monday he was very, very alert, it seemed like his appetite was back, he seemed he was getting better,” he said. “And then it was like Tuesday morning, it seemed like everything was okay. He went to sleep — that was normal, this does make you very tired — and as far as I know that’s when it happened.”
Phillip said Jessica later realized something was wrong.
“I know she discovered him in the room and he wasn’t awake,” Phillip said. “She tried to perform CPR while they waited for the paramedics but it sounded like it was too late.”
Danh loved sports and was a big Oregon Ducks fan. The only thing he loved more was Jessica. Phillip said the two were “deeply in love — they were best friends.”
For Danh’s friends and family, it makes little sense why such a vibrant young man was taken so soon.
“He worked out, he lifted weights. The two of them together, they were health conscious and were definitely trying to really focus on that,” said Phillip. “This virus is so unknown to us that we don’t really know what it can do. Even someone as healthy as him, it was all of a sudden. I really wish I could explain it.”
Photo of Danh Tran. (Courtesy of Mark Woodford) 
Photo of Danh Tran. (Courtesy to KOIN) 
Photo of Danh Tran. (Courtesy of Mark Woodford) 
Danh Tran with his fiance, Jessica. (Courtesy to KOIN) 
Photo of Danh Tran with friends. (Courtesy of Aaron Hook) 
Photo of Danh Tran with his fiance, Jessica. (Courtesy of Aaron Hook) 
Photo of Danh Tran with friends. (Courtesy of Aaron Hook) 
Photo of Danh Tran. (Courtesy of Aaron Hook) 
Photo of Danh Tran with friends. (Courtesy of Aaron Hook) 
Photo of Danh Tran with friends. (Courtesy of Aaron Hook) 
Photo of Danh Tran with friends. (Courtesy of Aaron Hook)
Danh’s friend Aaron Hook shared the following statement with KOIN 6:
“Danh and his fiancée, Jessica, were to be married in August but were rescheduling their plans due to the pandemic. He was a respected, fun-loving and friendly person whose smile never failed to light up a room. His network of friends in the community was enormous. Danh was known for his ability to cook some of the best grilled meats in town, and his deep love for the Oregon Ducks.
Many of his friends remember Danh as one of the most dependable friends you could ever ask for. His laughter and energy would brighten up any gathering and take it to the next level. Whenever he would leave a room, he would awkwardly say “I love you” and fully expect you to say it back. He cared that much about everyone he interacted with. If we are to measure a person’s success not by his wealth, but by the amount of people positively impacted by that person in their lifetime, then Danh was the most successful person we know.
Danh’s professional career included 10 years at Sunlight Supply & the Hawthorne Gardening Company. He joined the company in January 2010 in shipping and receiving, and moved upwards quickly into sales positions, most recently serving the Pacific Northwest territory. Danh was extremely driven and worked tirelessly to take care of his customers.
Danh was one of the most genuine, caring, real guys out there. There are more people that consider him a best friend and that was the way he lived. The life of the party and always there. More than that he was a fiancé and soon to be the husband to his beloved Jessica. He will be greatly missed by all that had the opportunity to know him. GoFundMe account has been set up by Danh’s friends to help his fiancée this tragic time.
The Coronavirus is very real. It is important that everyone take precautions in our personal lives to protect ourselves and the ones we love. Please respect social distancing guidelines and remember to wash your hands and wear a face mask. Danh would be proud to know his passing had a positive impact on the community and helped save lives in the process.”