Erica Garner, the daughter of police brutality victim Eric Garner, died early Saturday aged 27. Inspired to activism by her father's killing, she suffered a massive heart attack on Christmas Eve and fell into a coma.
Garner's official Twitter account, run by her family and friends since she became ill, asked that she be remembered as a mother, daughter, sister and aunt with a heart "bigger than the world."
Eric Garner was choked to death by New York police officer Daniel Pantaleo, who had attempted an illegal chokehold while arresting Garner for selling untaxed cigarettes. Pantaleo was not charged with a crime despite the death being ruled a homicide, and video of the attack being recorded by a bystander. The NYPD settled the family's lawsuit for $5.9m to avoid a civil trial.
Activist Erica Garner has passed away, according to tweets from her official account. She was an activist against police brutality, and the eldest daughter of Eric Garner, who died in 2014 after being placed in a police chokehold.
— NPR (@NPR) December 30, 2017
Our dear sister Erica Garner has just passed away.
When you were her friend, you her friend through all adversity. She was a fierce protector of her friends and family. A truth teller. As genuine and authentic of a soul you’ll ever encounter.
We’re less because of this loss.
— Shaun King (@ShaunKing) December 30, 2017
Erica Garner was an exceptional young woman. She was a loving daughter, sister, mother, friend. Jane and I send our deepest condolences to the entire Garner family and to all those she has impacted.
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) December 30, 2017
Erica Garner’s death is a horrible tragedy. I am praying for her family, who have already been through so much. This city will miss her unshakable sense of justice and passion for humanity.
— Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) December 30, 2017
Photo: The Root
