In the quiet, closely-knit community of Coral Springs, Florida, a deep sadness has befallen Parkridge Church as they mourn the loss of Erika Dawson, the wife of their youth pastor, Robbie Dawson. Erika Dawson tragically died by suicide on Friday night, September 20, 2024, sending shockwaves throughout the church community and the entire city of Coral Springs. Erika, a loving mother of two young children and a dedicated wife, was found unresponsive at her home, and despite all life-saving efforts by local emergency responders, she could not be revived.
The news of Erika’s passing has devastated the Parkridge Church congregation, who have been rallying around Pastor Robbie Dawson and his two children, Storm and Summit, in their time of unimaginable grief. Erika was not only a pivotal figure in the life of her family but also a well-loved member of the Parkridge Christian Academy community and an active participant in many of the church’s outreach programs. Her passing leaves a gaping void in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
On Saturday morning, Pastor Eddie, a senior member of the Parkridge Church leadership, released a heartbreaking statement confirming Erika’s death. In his message to the congregation, Pastor Eddie shared: “Friends and Deacons, it is with unbelievable sadness that I must inform you that Erika Dawson went to heaven last night. Pastor Robbie found her unresponsive at home. Even with all the efforts of pre-hospital care by Parkland/Coral Springs Fire Department EMS… then onto the professional, diligent, amazing Emergency Department staff at Broward Health Coral Springs, they were unable to revive her.”
This announcement marked the beginning of a wave of mourning that spread not only through Parkridge Church but also across Coral Springs, a community deeply rooted in faith, support, and love for one another. On Saturday night, 400 members of the Parkridge Church community gathered at the small chapel to pray for Erika’s family. In a collective show of solidarity and compassion, they surrounded Pastor Robbie and his two children with love, prayer, and support. “Our Parkridge Church is surrounding Pastor Robbie and his children with the most warmth, love, and prayers that we can muster in our grief,” the church said in its statement to the community. The church also encouraged others to join them for Sunday services at 10:30 AM at Coral Ridge Drive and Westview Drive, Coral Springs, as they continue to offer spiritual and emotional support to the Dawson family.
Erika Dawson’s death has left many in the church and the wider Coral Springs community grappling with difficult questions about mental health, loss, and how to navigate grief. Though Pastor Robbie Dawson has yet to publicly speak about the personal toll of this tragedy, those close to the family have described him as a devoted husband and father, now facing the painful reality of raising his two children without their mother. As the news of Erika’s death spread, tributes began pouring in, not only from church members but from friends, colleagues, and extended family members, all of whom are struggling to come to terms with her passing.
Erika, who was known for her warmth, kindness, and unwavering dedication to her family and faith, had long been involved in church activities alongside her husband. Whether through volunteer work at Parkridge Christian Academy, where her children attended, or through her quiet but impactful presence at church events, Erika was seen as a pillar of strength for those around her. She was a woman who wore many hats—wife, mother, friend, and community leader. Her tragic death is a stark reminder that mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of how strong or composed they may appear on the surface.
In light of Erika’s passing, the leadership at Parkridge Church has been urging its congregation and the wider community to come together, not only to support the Dawson family but also to reflect on the importance of mental health awareness and the need for open conversations about the emotional and psychological challenges many people face. As the church community mourns the loss of Erika, they have also made a commitment to raising awareness about mental health, particularly within faith-based communities where the topic is sometimes seen as taboo or misunderstood.
In a deeply moving gesture, Parkridge Christian Academy has set up a memorial fund to support Pastor Robbie Dawson and his children, Storm and Summit, during this challenging time. The school, which has been a second home for the Dawson family, released the following statement: “Friends and Family, as we begin the new reality of life without our beloved sister Erika, we have set up a memorial fund to help raise financial support for the Dawson family. Thank you for your prayers for Robbie, Storm, Summit, and their entire extended families. Your love, prayers, and support are felt by all.”
The scripture that has been cited repeatedly by those close to the Dawson family is Psalm 34:18: “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” This verse has become a source of comfort for those struggling to comprehend the weight of this tragedy, offering solace in a time of deep mourning. Members of the church have also expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming outpouring of love and support from the broader Coral Springs community, many of whom have reached out to offer words of encouragement and condolences to the Dawson family.
For many, Erika’s death has underscored the need to address the mental health crisis that often goes unspoken in many families, communities, and even churches. While details about Erika’s personal struggles remain private, her death has shined a spotlight on the importance of seeking help and support in times of emotional distress. Leaders at Parkridge Church have announced that they will be offering additional counseling and mental health services to both the church community and to anyone in the Coral Springs area who may be grappling with the emotional toll of this loss or other mental health challenges.
Suicide, a leading cause of death in the United States, has taken an immense toll on families across the country. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) notes that suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S., with nearly 50,000 people dying by suicide each year. In Florida alone, thousands of lives are lost to suicide annually, with many more individuals, like Erika, suffering in silence before taking their own lives. Mental health professionals emphasize that the stigma surrounding mental illness and suicide often prevents individuals from seeking help, leaving them to struggle alone.
Erika Dawson’s death has opened up difficult conversations within the faith community, where suicide is often seen as a taboo subject. For many Christians, the idea of taking one’s own life is fraught with theological and moral complexities. However, church leaders have expressed a growing awareness that mental health struggles are not a reflection of a person’s faith or lack thereof, but rather a sign that they need compassionate care and professional intervention. Pastor Eddie, in his statement to the congregation, emphasized the importance of love and understanding in the face of tragedy: “We do not always understand why things happen the way they do, but we trust in the Lord’s plan. Our focus now is on supporting Pastor Robbie, Storm, and Summit as they navigate this unimaginable loss.”
The community of Coral Springs, a city known for its tight-knit neighborhoods and strong sense of unity, has also been deeply affected by Erika’s passing. Local leaders and organizations have expressed their condolences to the Dawson family, with many pledging to support them in the weeks and months ahead. In addition to the emotional and spiritual support being offered by Parkridge Church, the Coral Springs community has come together to organize fundraising efforts, meal trains, and other practical measures to help the family through this difficult time.
As the Dawson family prepares to lay Erika to rest, the details of her obituary and funeral arrangements are expected to be released by the family in the coming days. The church has announced that it will hold a memorial service for Erika, where friends, family members, and the congregation can gather to honor her life, share memories, and find solace in one another’s company. In the meantime, the church continues to encourage its members to hold the Dawson family in their prayers and to reach out for help if they are struggling with their own mental health challenges.
In the wake of this devastating loss, there is a growing recognition that grief is not a linear process, and the healing journey for Pastor Robbie and his children will take time. The Parkridge Church community has committed to walking alongside them, providing not only spiritual guidance but also practical and emotional support as they begin to rebuild their lives without Erika. It is a journey that will be filled with moments of deep sorrow, but also with love, faith, and resilience.
As the community continues to mourn the loss of Erika Dawson, her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. She will be remembered not only as a devoted wife and mother but also as a cherished member of her church and community. Her passing has left a profound impact on all who were touched by her life, and her legacy will be one of love, compassion, and faith.
For now, Coral Springs and Parkridge Church remain united in their grief, bound together by the shared loss of a beloved figure. The weeks and months ahead will be difficult, but with the strength of their faith and the support of one another, the community will continue to move forward, carrying Erika’s memory with them every step of the way.
