Daniel Hollenbeck Huntington Beach CA Death and Obituary – Daniel “DC” Hollenbeck, a beloved figure in the recovery community, tragically passed away on February 21, 2025. DC was more than just a friend or mentor—he was a guiding light, a rescuer, and a tireless advocate for those battling addiction, mental health issues, and the aftermath of trauma. As the Co-Founder and CEO of Pacific Sands Recovery Center (PSR), Owner and Co-Founder of PSR Sober Living, and former Director of Admissions at Hotel California By The Sea, DC’s impact reached far and wide, changing countless lives over his decade-long commitment to recovery.
Born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, DC’s journey took him from Halls High School to Huntington Beach, California, where he built a life that would become synonymous with compassion, strength, and unwavering support. While his professional work in the recovery world earned him deep respect and admiration, it was his heart, integrity, and determination that truly set him apart.
DC’s story is one of redemption, marked by struggle and triumph. He began his journey as a U.S. Marine, driven by a deep desire to serve his country. However, as time passed, he discovered that his greatest battle would not be fought overseas but in the world of addiction and mental health recovery. DC dedicated himself to helping those in their darkest hours, offering them a lifeline when others had abandoned hope. His passion for saving lives and offering second chances became his life’s mission.
His work at PSR Sober Living was transformative. DC didn’t just guide people on their recovery path—he fought for them when no one else would. His fierce compassion, combined with a sharp moral compass, made him a trusted and deeply loved figure in the recovery community. His name was spoken with reverence by those who knew him best, and his legacy is forever etched in the hearts of the many individuals whose lives he touched.
DC’s love for his family was unmatched. He often spoke about his parents, Mary Ann and Tom Hollenbeck, with admiration and gratitude, crediting them with shaping the man he became. He cherished every moment spent with his sons, Ethan and Hayden, and took immense pride in their lives, always striving to make them laugh and feel the boundless love he had for them.
DC also found joy in life’s simpler pleasures. His quick wit and infectious laughter brought warmth to every room, and his love for practical jokes and playful moments made him a source of joy to all who knew him. Whether attending concerts, sporting events, or enjoying dinner with loved ones, DC had a unique ability to make every experience feel special. His motorcycle rides provided him peace, and his beloved Great Dane, Gunner, was never far from his side.
Even in his final days, DC remained committed to his personal growth and the well-being of others. He embodied strength, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of betterment, whether for himself or those around him. His legacy, however, is not defined by what he achieved but by the lives he saved and the people he loved.
As we mourn the loss of DC, we ask for patience and respect as his family navigates this profound grief. While the world has lost a great man, his spirit remains alive in every person whose life he touched. The countless individuals whose lives were forever changed by his selflessness, courage, and belief that no one is beyond saving will continue to carry his light forward.
DC was not just a Marine or a professional in the recovery field—he was a hero. His strength, compassion, and dedication will forever serve as an inspiration, and his memory will live on in every life he helped and every heart he healed.
