Erica Garner,27, the daughter of police chokehold victim Eric Garner died Saturday after suffering a massive heart attack brought on by an asthma attack a week ago that left her in a coma.
She became an activist against police brutality after the death of her father, Eric Garner back in 2014. The 43-year-old father of six died while New York City officers were attempting to arrest him on suspicion of selling loose cigarettes.
Her fathers death was recorded on video and his last words were “I can’t breathe,” the words which Erica often wore on her clothing.
Erica the world loves you. I love you. I am glad you came into our lives. May you find the peace in the next life that you deserved while you were here. I will always love you my sister. love you
— officialERICA GARNER (@es_snipes) December 30, 2017
The New York Times quoted her mother Esaw Garner, saying that her daughter was a fighter.
“From the day she was born she was a fighter,” she said. “We’re gonna stay strong as a family and gonna take care of her child and make sure her children know how much she loved them.”
Erica Garner’s activism led her to campaign for Sen. Bernie Sanders during the 2016 presidential election. On Saturday, Bernie Sanders called her an exceptional young woman.
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
“Though Erica didn’t ask to be an activist, she responded to the personal tragedy of seeing her father die while being arrested in New York City by becoming a leading proponent for criminal justice reform and for an end to police brutality.”
“If anything, what she would want us to do in memory of her is keep fighting for justice, and keep fighting for families,” said civil rights leader Reverend Al Sharpton.