A Tarkington family is mourning the loss of 19-year-old Cameron Samuel Johnson, also known as Cameron Harcrow, who was killed in a single-vehicle crash early Saturday morning, June 13.
According to family members, Cameron was driving home from a friend’s house around 5 a.m. when it is believed he fell asleep at the wheel while traveling on FM 223 north of FM 787. His vehicle left the roadway and rolled several times. Cameron died in the crash.
The sudden loss has left family members devastated as they try to come to terms with life without the young man they describe as the heart of many gatherings.
According to his older brother, Cory Harcrow, Cameron was his only brother and someone who brought joy wherever he went.
“It would be hard for someone to dislike him,” Cory said. “He was the goofy outgoing one among us. He tried to make everyone laugh.”
While Cameron could be quiet and shy when first meeting people, Cory said that changed once he became comfortable.
“He was the life of the party once he got to know people,” he said.
Cameron was the son of Priscilla Johnson and Kyle McMullen and James Johnson. He was raised in a close-knit family compound in the Tarkington area, where multiple generations of family members live nearby, including his parents, grandparents, brother, cousin, niece, and three nephews.
“My children idolized Cameron,” Cory said.
Family members say Cameron loved spending time outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, diesel trucks, and working with heavy equipment. He worked alongside his stepfather in the construction industry, performing dirt work and operating machinery.
Though only 19 years old, Cameron had already begun planning for the future. One of his biggest dreams was to one day own land alongside his brother so they could raise their families side by side.
“He was definitely different from me in some ways,” Cory said. “He opened up with people easier and made friends with everybody.”
As loved ones grieve the unimaginable loss, they are also facing the financial burden of funeral expenses.
A GoFundMe account has been established with a goal of raising $20,000 to help cover funeral costs. According to Cory, any additional funds will be used to pay off Cameron’s truck, which was not involved in the accident, so that his mother can keep it as a lasting reminder of her son.
Friends, family members, and community supporters who wish to assist the family during this difficult time can make a donation through the GoFundMe campaign at: https://gofund.me/5e46dde32