Douglas Elliman Mourns the Passing of Darin Tansey
by ELLIMAN INSIDER TEAM
September 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we share news of the untimely passing of our beloved colleague and friend Darin Tansey.
Darin was so much more than just an exceptional agent. He was a cherished member of our community who touched the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His warmth, sense of humor, professionalism, and genuine care for both clients and colleagues made him a true standout at Douglas Elliman and across our industry.
Born and raised in Iowa, Darin had a deep love for his family, his dogs Rosie and Vino, and life on the water as an avid boater. His zest for life was truly infectious.
Whether you worked alongside him or knew him through company events and collaborations, Darin’s positive spirit left a lasting impression. He had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel valued and heard, and his loss will be deeply felt by many—particularly those in the Miami office, who have lost not just a talented professional but a dear friend who brought light and laughter to their daily work.
At this terribly sad time, we offer our condolences to Darin’s family, his friends, and the many people who loved him. He will be profoundly missed and never forgotten.
With deepest sympathy and love,
Michael S. Liebowitz
President and Chief Executive Officer
Jay Phillip Parker
CEO of Brokerage, Florida Region
President of Douglas Elliman Development Marketing
Friends and Colleagues Celebrate the Life of Darin Tansey
If you would like to share remembrances and pictures of Darin, please send them to EllimanInsider@elliman.com.
It saddens me to share that Darin Tansey, an incredible agent and an even better human being, has passed away. He wasn’t just a colleague he was my friend, I’ve known Darin for 15 years. He had the biggest heart and truly cared about people with a heart of gold, truly.
Darin brought something special to Douglas Elliman that can’t be replaced. His laughter filled rooms, his authenticity drew people in, and his dedication to both clients and teammates was unmatched.
He had this rare ability to brighten any day and make everyone around him feel like they mattered.
With a heavy heart, we will all miss you, Darin.
Darin… I still can’t believe I’m even writing this and that you’re gone. You weren’t just a friend you were my brother, my wine buddy, my sounding board, and the person I could always count on for the older brother advice I needed.
I’ll never forget when you gave me my first real shot in luxury real estate, inviting me to be part of the Tansey Team 10 years ago. I still thank @jpparker01 all the time for introducing us that day. You saw something in a kid in a cheap Macy’s suit wet behind his ears with nothing but hunger and drive as you would always say. You gave me the chance and confidence to spread my wings. That changed my life forever and shaped me who I am today .
You were one of the most selfless, kindhearted people I’ve ever known and honored to call you my best friend . Save a couple bottles for me up there the good ones only. don’t worry I’ll work on my golf game for you. Emily Peyton and I will miss you. Until we meet again.
Love you brother. ❤️🍷
- wands
Yesterday the world stopped. Darin Tansey was undoubtably one of the brightest lights I’ve ever known. One of my favorite people on the planet, he had a rare gift — the way he made everyone feel seen and valued, like they were the only one in the room. As extraordinary as his professional success was, it was Darin’s heart, energy, and ability to love so fully that made him such a special person.
Although our romantic relationship shifted into a friendship, the bond we shared never wavered. We always found joy in each other’s company, no matter where life took us. I will be forever grateful for the last time we were together this spring while at @douglaselliman On The Slopes Ski Week. Bonus- also celebrating the big 5-0, seen in the last two photos. Knowing you the past 4 years has been the biggest gift.
How lucky I was to know you. How lucky I was to be loved by you. I will carry you with me always. Celebrating you, DT Love you forever back 💔🍷🐶
#livelikedarin
Jay Parker
I have had the honor of sharing in a brotherhood with Darin for over twenty years. From the very beginning, the same qualities that defined his character stood out. He was a man of integrity, honor, professionalism, respect, commitment, discipline and tenacity. He was a leader, an inspiration, a world class, person, colleague, friend, brother, family man and will be terribly missed.
Darin was not only the heart of @douglaselliman he was an incredible friend who made everyone feel so special, seen, and heard. A tremendous leader and a beautiful kind heart. You will truly be missed.
The sweetest, kindest man. Heartbreaking 💔
Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the devastating loss of my friend and colleague, Darin Tansey.
Darin was more than a respected force in the real estate industry — he was a true friend whose warmth, kindness, and unwavering loyalty touched everyone fortunate enough to know him. His infectious energy and rare gift for bringing people together left an impact far greater than words can capture.
I will always remember the way he made every person feel valued, seen, and supported. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he inspired, both personally and professionally.
My deepest condolences go out to Darin’s family, loved ones, and all who are mourning this unimaginable loss. He will be profoundly missed, but his light and spirit will forever remain with us.
Rest in peace, my friend. 💔
The kindest human I have had the privilege to call a friend, a colleague, and a true gentleman. This news has shattered all of us.
Darin never met a stranger—he had a gift for befriending everyone. He was kind, generous, genuine, funny, and deeply dedicated to his craft and to the people around him. His smile was infectious, and his love for others was immeasurable.
DT, you were a true gem. You will be deeply missed, but you will never be forgotten.
Rest Easy, and Rest in Power. ♥️
Always at the center. Always with that smile. Always lending a helping hand. We will miss you, Darin.
Rest in peace, my friend. 💔 He used to call me “wifey” back in the day, and that always made me laugh. His energy was contagious, his heart always on his sleeve, and his presence could light up any room. What an incredible man. A true legend.
I will miss you so much. We are all devastated by your passing, but we will carry your memory with love and gratitude. ❤️ @darintansey
Darin, I still can’t believe you’re gone. From the moment I joined Douglas Elliman, you welcomed me with open arms. You were a mentor, an older brother, and someone I could always confide in. You had a heart of gold, and I will miss you more than words can say. To me, you were a friend, a brother, a colleague, a coach—and so much more. I love you, Darin. Life will never be the same without you.
💔 Today we lost a great one - Darin T you sure will be missed. 10+ years of friendship and brotherhood. One of the best guys I’ve ever meet - super grateful for our time spent together.
🙏
To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate the beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch Or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!
Darin- you sure succeeded, rest easy my friend.
Sweet Darin,
we all love you. we miss you. till we see you again, you beautiful kind soul 🤍🧸🍪💫. I know you’re here with us. it may look a little different now. but you’re here.
💔 Darin
@darintansey wasn’t just a real estate agent. He was an inspiration to many in the industry and one of my earliest role models, leaving a profound impact on me at the start of my career.
Before becoming a full-time agent, I had the privilege of working alongside him on the development marketing side at the Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach with @ashleyspitzhamaoui . At the time, it was one of Miami Beach’s most challenging adaptive-use luxury developments, and Darin rightfully took over as sales director, leading 60 different floor plans, 111 residences, and 15 villas to a full sellout. He became the power broker of the building.
Watching Darin in action was nothing short of inspiring. The way he led with service first, anticipated clients’ needs, pitched the project, presented over the phone, and carried himself with professionalism set a standard that stayed with me. I remember traveling with him to Toronto for a real estate conference and spending time in the Hamptons, where he answered every question I had about showmanship with patience and wisdom.
As with every unforeseen passing, we are left wishing for more time together and more moments to look back on.
Darin was the man in the arena, leading with courage, striving with excellence, and leaving a legacy that will be remembered long after the critics fade.
His impact on me will never be forgotten.
Rest in power, DT
All of us at Douglas Elliman who had the privilege of meeting and spending time with Darin Tansey are saddened by the news today of his passing. DT was Always so kind, gracious and generous in spirit and deed. He will be truly missed!
We had a call scheduled for tomorrow morning. Dinner in a few weeks and I had such big news to share with you! It’s hard to believe that this photo we took just weeks ago would be the last time I’d see you in this life.
You were a steady light - kind, patient, and deeply supportive. You held space for me to be vulnerable, always offering encouragement, wisdom, and love. You rooted for me in ways I’ll never forget - personally and professionally. Most importantly, you taught me to lead with “what can I do to support you?” to all those around me.
Thank you for all you’ve poured into our lives. You were an incredible leader, mentor, brother and friend to all. We love you so much. DT forever. 🤍🍷✨
Oh Darin; this is completely unreal. The unimaginable happened to seemingly the least deserving among us. Thank you for countless years of friendship and memories. You are 1 of 1. A truly kind, compassionate and empathetic person, who we all strived to be like. Your infectious energy lit up every room you walked into. A leader in our industry, a trusted ally and a friend to everybody. To lose you so soon and unexpectedly is beyond devastating. Can’t believe we spoke just 2 days ago. Fly high brother. See you on the other side. Xx, D
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our friend and colleague, Darin Tansey. He was not only a leader in our industry but also a mentor, role model, and source of inspiration to so many.
Darin believed in people, often seeing potential before it was realized. His encouragement and generosity helped launch and shape countless careers, leaving an indelible mark on our team and the real estate community as a whole.
We will remember him for his integrity, his kindness, and the legacy he leaves behind. Darin will be greatly missed, but his impact will continue to live on through the lives and work of those he inspired.
Darin Tansey @darintansey
Rest in peace brother. If there is something out there, I wonder what it wanted you for seemingly too early and keeps a punk like me around. You were, are, a luxury real estate legend. And believed in me from the start, even though you hated guys like me.
All of my luxury realtor compadres should take a moment for Darin. @cindyambuehl @kailamaxwell @bahamassothebysrealty @nina_siegenthaler @chriscortazzo @bariwiensvail @tyestocktonvail @thestocktongroup_vail @telluriderealestate @jencaskey1 @jencaskeygroup @averycaskeyhomes @kellyrogerspc @bridgettecampbell_ @jennifershelley.realtor Etc etc.
#rip #darintansey #lifeisshort #douglaselliman #luxuryrealtor #miamibeach #southbeachmiami
Very sad to hear of the passing of our long-time friend and client, Darin Tansey. Darin was a respected luxury real estate broker in Miami and one of the very first clients to trust Immersive Spaces when we opened our doors.
His professionalism, friendship, and support meant a great deal to us, and he will be deeply missed by his many friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
@darintansey wasn’t just a real estate agent. He was an inspiration to many in the industry and one of my earliest role models, leaving a profound impact on me at the start of my career.
Before becoming a full-time agent, I had the privilege of working alongside him on the development marketing side at the Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach with @ashleyspitzhamaoui . At the time, it was one of Miami Beach’s most challenging adaptive-use luxury developments, and Darin rightfully took over as sales director, leading 60 different floor plans, 111 residences, and 15 villas to a full sellout. He became the power broker of the building.
Watching Darin in action was nothing short of inspiring. The way he led with service first, anticipated clients’ needs, pitched the project, presented over the phone, and carried himself with professionalism set a standard that stayed with me. I remember traveling with him to Toronto for a real estate conference and spending time in the Hamptons, where he answered every question I had about showmanship with patience and wisdom.
As with every unforeseen passing, we are left wishing for more time together and more moments to look back on.
Darin was the man in the arena, leading with courage, striving with excellence, and leaving a legacy that will be remembered long after the critics fade.
His impact on me will never be forgotten.
Rest in power, DT
Ryan Kelly
🕊️ Darin Tansey 🕊️
My first mentor in the Miami Real Estate game. You showed me your playbook, guided me along, and a brotherhood established. From jumping in the ocean to pull your boat when it ran out of gas, to editing videos together that we could never take seriously, I think you knew exactly what I was going through being in a new business, in a new city, alone with no family, and you threw your arm around my shoulder. What a bond I’ll never forget ❤️
When I set off on my own, you were nothing but supportive. We drifted apart, but would always celebrate eachothers wins. We made this recent video together at one of your many successful projects and I just recall how great it felt driving away from that day knowing I got my brother back ❤️
You were taken too soon, but your impact will last not only on me, but the many you encouraged and helped both in business and in life. I’ll miss seeing you handsome, and I’ll look forward to the day we meet again 🕊️
Rest Peacefully DT ❤️
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