Erica Garner Reportedly in Critical Condition Following a Heart Attack
UPDATE: Saturday, December 30
Erica Garner, a prominent Black Lives Matter activist and the daughter of police brutality victim Eric Garner, has died at the age of 27. She had been declared brain dead after falling into a coma on Christmas Eve following a prior heart attack.
Her official Twitter account, run by a family spokesman, posted the following tribute: “When you report this you remember she was human: mother, daughter, sister, aunt. Her heart was bigger than the world. It really really was. She cared when most people wouldn’t have. She was good. She only pursued right, no matter what. No one gave her justice.”
Original Story:
Erica Garner, the daughter of police brutality victim Eric Garner, has been declared brain dead, The Daily News reports. The 27-year-old mother of two had fallen into a coma on December 24, after suffering a heart attack, according to CNN.
Over the past few days, one of Erica’s workers provided updates on her health from her official Twitter account, asking her followers to pray for her. Yesterday, December 27, a tweet went out reporting that a “cat scan shows [that] Erica suffered major brain damage from a lack of oxygen while in cardiac arrest.”
Esaw Snipes, Erica’s mother, confirmed the news to The Daily News. “She’s not gone; she’s brain dead,” Snipes said, adding: “Physically she is still with us.” According to the outlet, Erica has no chance of recovery.
Erica became an outspoken activist after her father’s death three years ago. Eric Garner was killed on July 17, 2014, after he was confronted by police for allegedly trying to sell “loosie” cigarettes. In a video that went viral at the time of his death, the 43-year-old father of six was seen in a chokehold by an officer, where he famously cried out: “I can’t breathe, I can’t breathe!” According to officials, Garner was later declared dead en route to the hospital.
Garner’s death was listed as a homicide, but no officer was charged in the case, and his last words soon became a rallying cry for Black Lives Matter activists. In the wake of Eric’s death, his daughter Erica became a prominent voice in the Black Lives Matter movement as well as a notable civil rights figure.
The tragic recent news surrounding Erica’s health has resonated with many people, who have since taken to social media to express their heartfelt thoughts for her family. Activist Nelini Stamp wrote: “Erica is a freedom fighter. Praying for her family and community in Staten Island today. Sending light and love.” Another of her followers added: “Our sister @es_snipes never cared to be a ‘celebrity activist’ and always supported movement organizers around the nation who shared the singular objective that was hers, as well: freedom, justice & equality for all.”
Senator Bernie Sanders, whom Erica spoke for during his presidential campaign, tweeted the following statement: “My thoughts are with Erica Garner, her family and friends in hoping that she has a full recovery and rejoins the struggle for justice as soon as possible. I have had the privilege of joining with her at a number of events and was deeply impressed with her courage and insights.”
Related: Black Lives Matter are America’s Most Misunderstood Activists