Daniel Campos
On August 5, 2020, the world lost the light of Daniel Campos, age 45. Daniel was born on February 26, 1975, to parents Pat and David Campos. Daniel was one of four children, and he precedes his siblings David Campos Jr., Debra Campos-Velasquez, and Donavan Campos in death. He had five children of his own: Daniel Jr., Dominic, D’Andrew, DeAsia, and Daniella; and nine grandchildren: Maddy, Dominic Jr., D’Andrew Jr., Marcus, Matthew, Azeriah, Adeya, Lupita, and Mia. Daniel died from causes related to COVID-19 while incarcerated at the McConnell Unit in Texas.
Daniel was a beautiful soul who cared deeply for others. As expressed in his obituary, “Daniel had a heart of gold and he was always willing to help someone in need. While he was in prison he saw this man crying after a service, Daniel walked up to him and asked him, ‘What’s the matter?’ The man told Daniel he didn’t want to live anymore, so Daniel started talking to him and they became good friends.” Daniel’s kind words may have saved that man’s life that day.
Photograph of Daniel playing with one of his sons, obtained from Trevino Funeral Home.
The tribute wall of Daniel’s obituary is filled with kind words from friends and family who will miss him dearly. Denise Ramos wrote, “My dear friend, you have and will always hold a special place in my heart, i will always remember how funny you are and how kind [you] were to me, love you always and forever.” Another loved one, Stephanie, wrote, “One of the few friends my x husband had and now ur with him. (Bigman) Steven Cantu Sr. (R.I.P.) i bet he welcomed u with open arms, and hand shakes .. I bet ya chopping it up together. watch over the families. You will be missed by many..”
Photograph of Daniel as a little boy on his birthday, obtained from Trevino Funeral Home.
Although it is not certain that Daniel died from COVID-19, medical evidence shows that the virus was a contributing factor in his passing. Daniel was transported to Hospital Galveston from the McConnell Unit in Beeville on July 23, 2020, and he died at the hospital on August 5. He tested positive for COVID-19 on the same day he died.
Before he contracted the virus himself, Daniel had been worried about his mother getting sick. He would tell Pat, who works at Trevino Funeral Home, “Mom, you wear your mask,” and he always reminded her to wash her hands and be careful.
Pat said to KIII-TV, "He was the one who got it in prison. I wasn't able to tell him goodby.”
This memorial was written by MOL team member Mary John with information from reporting by Tanya Eiserer of KIII-TV, a COVID-19 update from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, and an obituary by Trevino Funeral Home.