The Florida-based gay rights advocate Jorge Diaz-Johnston has died in a landfill after days of being declared missing. The 54-year-old brother of former Miami Mayor Manny Diaz was seen alive for the last time on January 3, 2022.
Jorge Diaz-Johnston and his husband were part of other six couples who became the pioneers of same-sex marriage in Miami-Dade County.
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What is the cause of Jorge Diaz-Johnston?
Shortly after being declared missing on Saturday, his body was found in a trash pile at a landfill in Baker, Fla, about 60 miles east of the Alabama border, reported by the Okaloosa, County Sheriff’s Office.
Though the actual cause of his death is not yet made public, Tallahassee Police Department attributed it to homicide.
How are people taking the sad news of his death?
Diaz, who served as mayor of Miami from 2001 to 2009, published a statement on Twitter to confirm his brother’s death.
“I am profoundly appreciative of the outpouring of support shown to me, my brother-in-law Don, and my family after the loss of my brother, Jorge Diaz-Johnston,” wrote. “My brother was such a special gift to this world whose heart and legacy will continue to live on for generations to come.”
Jorge Diaz-Johnston was well known. In 2014, he and his husband, Don Diaz-Johnston, and other same-sex couples sued the Miami-Dade County clerk’s office after they were prevented from getting married.
