Christopher Jackson and his longtime girlfriend Shadella McDowney died early Sunday in Capitol Heights after their car crashed into a utility pole.
"He helped everybody," said Jackson’s sister, wiping away tears. "Whatever you needed, he helped you."
Jackson, 35, and McDowney, 34, had three children together.
Jackson’s family said he was a devoted father and McDowney’s partner for nearly two decades.
"Happy-go-lucky" is how Jackson's mother, Alice Jackson, described the couple.
Alice Jackson saw her son on Saturday night. He went to the store for her and told her, "I'll see you later," she told News4.
The couple went to a party in Fort Washington later that night with McDowney's brother. He remembered the last words he said to his sister.
Local
Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information
"I love you. Call me when you get home. I'll see you tomorrow," he recalled.
Officers responded to the crash at the intersection of Boundary and Opus avenues in Capitol Heights, Sunday at about 2:30 a.m. The pair was pronounced dead at the scene.
Now, the family is left with memories.
"I have faith, and that’s what’s holding me up," Jackson’s mother said.
Police said it’s unclear what caused Jackson to lose control of the car.
Several neighbors lost power for more than 24 hours because the utility pole was damaged in the crash.
Jackson’s cousin set up a GoFundMe page to help support their three young children.
