Darin Tansey, a longtime agent in Miami Beach, died on Tuesday morning at the age of 50.
Tansey, who was licensed with Douglas Elliman, moved to Miami nearly two decades ago and built his business in Miami Beach, Miami’s Edgewater, Bay Harbor Islands and neighboring areas. He was born and raised in Iowa.
He was found dead at his condo at the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Miami Beach. A cause of death has not been released.
Tansey, a high-performing luxury agent, was close to a number of people in the industry. Jay Parker, CEO of Elliman Florida, and Michael Liebowitz, CEO of Elliman, announced his death in an internal memo.
“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,” the email reads.
Tansey closed deals totaling more than $3 billion over the course of his career, and was involved in sales at the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Miami Beach, as well as the planned Edition Residences in Edgewater. Most recently, he led sales of Regency Development Group’s La Maré in Bay Harbor Islands and Villa17 in Miami Beach.
Tributes to Tansey poured in after news of his sudden death.
Liebowitz told The Real Deal that he had known Tansey for 15 years, and that they met when Tansey brokered the sale of Liebowitz’s first Miami house.
“Darin brought something special to Douglas Elliman that can’t be replaced,” Liebowitz wrote on social media.
Parker said he was devastated by Tansey’s death, and referred to him as a brother. “He was a man of integrity, honor, professionalism, respect, commitment, discipline and tenacity,” he said.
Elliman agent Chris Wands said that Tansey was “the most selfless person” in the business.
“He was one of my best friends. He gave me my first job in real estate. Business-wise, friend-wise, there wasn’t a better person,” Wands said.
Julian Johnston, a top agent with the Corcoran Group, called him “one of the most honorable guys” he worked with. He met Tansey about 15 years ago when they worked together at Johnston’s former brokerage, Calibre International Realty. Johnston said Tansey “really shined” when he sold the Ritz-Carlton project, a Lionheart Capital development that was completed in 2020.
BHHS EWM Realty’s Nelson Gonzalez, said Tansey’s death was a “gut punch” to the heart.
“He’s one of the good guys,” Gonzalez said. “Nobody ever had anything bad to say about him.”
Ashley Holland, his publicist, wrote that he was a “respected force” in the real estate industry.
“Beyond his remarkable professional accomplishments, Darin will be remembered for his infectious energy, his unwavering loyalty, and the way he made every person feel seen and valued,” she said.
Tansey, born on Feb. 16, 1975, is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by extended family members and his dog, Vino. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.