Darien Gillette Burns

Burns. Darien passed away in a devastating car accident on his grandmother’s

birthday April 20th, 2026 at the age of 31 in Apple Valley, California. A

celebration of Darien’s life will be held on Monday, May 4th, at 12 PM at Desert

Valley Memorial, where we will gather to share stories and remember his

remarkable journey. Darien Gillette Burns was born on June 13th, 1994 in

Barstow, to John Burns and Koren Gillette. Darien is survived by his wife

Diamond, his step-mother Carisha, his father John, his sisters Katie, Mikayla, &

Addison and a menagerie of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Darien’s life was deeply shaped by the love and guidance of his grandmother,

Sharon, who played a central role in his upbringing. Sharon operated a daycare

out of her home for over 30 years where she also raised all of her

grandchildren. Growing up in her daycare meant that Darien got to live out

every kid’s dream. Surrounded by fellow daycare kids, family, and an unlimited

amount of VHS tapes, books, and video games; he was provided a loving

environment to grow up in. Many of the families that Sharon helped raise are

still close with the Burns family to this day. Like James Cutright and Jared

Casanta, who have been best friends with Darien since they were all still in

diapers.

Darien was an extraordinary and thoughtful person, even in the face of life’s

many challenges. He never passed judgment on anyone; his friends always

felt free to be themselves around him, no matter how quirky or nerdy they

were. He was the kind of husband who would bravely try his wife’s cooking,

no matter how questionable it looked. The kind of friend who’d snap a

picture of something funny at a store just because he knew it would make

you laugh. Darien had a rare gift for making people feel comfortable, seen,

and accepted for who they truly were. Through the many customer service

jobs Darien worked, he left a mark on all of whom he worked alongside. Even

though he hated being recognized solely for his bright red hair, he still

affectionately let everyone at his jobs call him ‘Red’. He made several longterm friendships at most of the jobs he worked. He touched countless lives

with his kindness, humor and love for Star Wars. He will be deeply missed by

all who knew and loved him.

Darien and Diamond were the kind of couple who spent nearly a decade

making the most out of their ordinary life together. Two devoted nerds who

built a world together out of shared curiosities, late-night eating, and countless

nights watching shows and movies together. Their love story was steady,

deeply rooted in their passion for gaming, anime, and their three dogs. At the

center of their home and their hearts, were their three beloved dogs, Harley,

Quinn, and Ivy. Who were less like pets and more like co-conspirators in a life

filled with warmth and laughter. Together, they created a life that was equal

parts thoughtful, playful, and compassionate. Darien and Diamond felt like

home to each other, but now a piece of home is missing. They leave behind not

just memories, but a lasting love for one another.

Darien will be remembered for his warmth, his quick wit, and the way he made

the people around him feel seen and valued. Whether through laughter, quiet

conversation, or simply his presence, he left a lasting impression on everyone

fortunate enough to know him. Although his time here with us was far too

short, the love he gave and the memories he created will continue to live on in

the hearts of his family, his friends, and all those whose lives he touched.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.