OAK HARBOR, Wash. — Jeff Pangburn has lived on Whidbey Island for 43 years. It's his home, even if he doesn't technically have one.
"I stay out in the woods," Pangburn said. "It's my time with God."
For the past 15 years, Pangburn has lived in the woods of Oak Harbor. He's a friendly face known all around town. People honk and wave to him as they drive by.
"I'm a popular guy, I guess," Pangburn said.
But a recent tragedy has cast a shadow on Pangburn's spirit.
"I've been bawling my head off like crazy," Pangburn said. "I was sobbing tears, you know?"
Pangburn was bedded down for the night in a gazebo on Dec. 2 when 15-year-old Grace Horn's car came crashing just 4 feet away. She failed to negotiate the curve at the intersection of state Route 20 and Libbey Road. Horn was reportedly delivering food to make money for Christmas presents.
Pangburn said he immediately called 911 and tried to pull Horn from the car as it burned, but the flames were too much. A power pole was also burning. Pangburn feared he might be electrocuted if the wires came down, so he ran into the woods.
Pangburn said he was heartbroken he could not do more.
"I couldn't get in," Pangburn said. "I couldn't get in the vehicle and then the fire. I couldn't do any more than what I did. If you know me you know that must really hurt for me not being able to do anything."
Pangburn returned to the scene and spoke with authorities about what he saw. He freely admits he was in and out of jail for two decades, but said he has been on the straight and narrow for 15 years.
"I was a lousy criminal," Pangburn said.
He now makes his home among the trees where he is most comfortable. By day he pulls his overloaded cart to Spin Café, which helps people in need on the island.
"This situation has been very hard on him," said Valerie Roseberry, a case manager at the café.
At 6-foot-10, Pangburn is known as a "gentle giant" with a heart to match.
In recent weeks he has been offering extra blankets to those who might need them at the café. No one is surprised Pangburn would try to help someone in a desperate, dangerous situation like the one Horn found herself in.
"Of course, Jeff would do that," Roseberry said. "Of course, he would. Honestly, as a mom, I am so grateful he was there so that she had somebody."
Community members established an online fundraiser for Pangburn.
Pangburn said he does not want to profit from the misery of others but would like to use any donations to buy an RV and move out of the woods.
People can also donate size 17 shoes, socks, 2XL sweatpants, 4XL-sized hoodies, coats, hand warmers, beanies and gift cards at DK Market in Oak Harbor.
The Washington State Patrol said there have been at least 23 crashes at the intersection where Horn died over the past five years.
Pangburn believes the best way to honor her and him is to demand safety improvements be made.