MIDLAND, Texas — According to the City of Midland, At-Large City Councilman Dan Corrales has passed away at the age of 45.
City of Midland released a statement to NewsWest 9:
"At-large City Councilman Dan Corrales has passed away.
Corrales, an attorney, father, husband and veteran, had served on the Midland City Council since Jan. 1, 2022, and had recently taken a position with the Midland County District Attorney’s Office.
Corrales is survived by his wife, Michelle; and son, Elijah; and Michelle’s niece, Austin; who the couple also raised.
'It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Councilman Corrales. His contributions to our community were invaluable, and he will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the entire City of Midland during this time of sorrow.'
Dan proved to be a councilman willing to fight for his beliefs, much like his grandmother, Oralia “Lillie” Corrales. She was the first ethnic minority elected to the Midland City Council, representing District 2 from 1982-89.
Corrales was a Midland High graduate and attended Midland College before moving to Brooklyn, New York, where he received a bachelor’s degree in Business and attended law school.
Corrales served numerous nonprofits, including Bynum School, Rotary, Lions Club, Meals on Wheels and Midland Community Theatre."
Midland County District Attorney Laura Nodolf sent a statement as well:
"Our hearts are heavy today as we learned that Assistant District Attorney Dan Corrales has passed away. While his time with the office was short, Dan was a well-liked and dedicated member of the Midland County District Attorney’s Office family, and his passing is a great loss. As with everything Dan did, he brought his sense of justice and love for Midland and its citizens to work with him every day. His smile and wit will be greatly missed. Our prayers and condolences are with his family during this incredibly difficult time."
Senior Life Midland also sent a statement:
"Dan Corrales was a dear friend and faithful volunteer of Senior Life Midland. Dan's Friday routes delivering Meals On Wheels always brought a smile to those he served, and he will be deeply missed. Our sincere condolences, thoughts, and prayers are with his family."
Odessa Mayor Javier Joven sent a statement on behalf of Corrales' passing:
"Dan is a friend, a brother, and a confidant. Jo Ann and I offer prayers to Michelle and Elija. When we lose someone we love, we gain an Angel. Death leaves behind heartache that only time can heal, if at all. But our love for that someone leaves memories that no one can steal.
“The rest of those who have gone before us cannot steady the unrest of those to follow.”
I’ll miss you, my friend. I love you, my brother. Be at peace.
Corrales was also an attorney, father, husband, and veteran. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time."
Midland Mayor Lori Blong said in a statement:
“Losing Councilmember Dan Corrales brings me great grief. Those of us who worked closely with Dan understood that he was a man who wanted to make a difference for the citizens of Midland. It is a tragedy that he is gone too soon. Please join me in praying for Dan’s family, friends, co-workers and all in the City of Midland who are going to be walking through this loss with all its complicated layers of grief. Even in the midst of differences and divergent perspectives, we as a people must treat each other with kindness. [...] Today is a hard and sad day. In memory of Dan, I invite you to join me today in hugging your loved ones close, working towards building community in the face of great loss.”
District 4 Councilwoman Amy Stretcher-Burkes said in a statement:
“I’m heartbroken from the news of the passing of Councilmember Dan Corrales. He was a champion for his constituents and a dedicated public servant. His vision and energy was unparalleled. My prayers are for his family and our entire community. He will be dearly missed."
Current District 2 Councilman John Norman said in a statement:
"It is with a heavy heart that I've learned of the passing of Councilman Dan Corrales. Dan, as I knew him, was a good man. He was bold and forthcoming with all the things he stood for. Dan often talked of the legacy his grandmother left with her time on council and resembled her in his own right. I pray for his family's strength as we navigate through this heartbreaking time."
At-large Councilwoman Robin Poole said in a statement:
“The news of Councilman Corrales’ tragic passing has grieved my heart. My prayers for his family during this time center on what I know to be true - that the Lord is near to those with broken hearts and those who are crushed in spirit.”
District 1 Councilman Scott Dufford said in a statement:
“Even though Dan and I had our disagreements. Dan loved and had a passion for Midland -- the city he grew up in -- and Dan, to his credit, only wanted what was best to make Midland a great place to live for all Midlanders. His wisdom and his voice on the council will be missed.”
City Manager Tommy Gonzalez said in a statement:
“Although I worked with Councilman Corrales for a short time, I was able to see the best of what he had to offer as a public official. He cared deeply for the community and for ensuring we, as an organization, worked to get to a high-performing level. For that, we should be eternally grateful. Aside from Councilman Corrales’ public life, he was a family man who loved his family dearly. He would often talk about his grandmother and her work for the City of Midland. He was a father, husband, son, and veteran, and we are very sad to see him go too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”
District 3 Councilman Jack Ladd stated:
“Like most people, I am still shocked by councilman Corrales’ sudden passing. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”
According to the City of Midland's Facebook page, a memorial for Corrales has been set up in Council Chamber inside City Hall.
The City of Midland is inviting anyone to come by and see the memorial, as it will be up for the rest of the week. City Hall is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
To read about Corrales' life and career, click here.
NewsWest 9 is continuing to cover this story.