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The police chokehold death of her father thrust Erica Garner into the public eye, where she blossomed as an activist who converted tragedy into a calling.
Garner, like her father Eric, died too young — passing away Saturday morning at age 27 after suffering a massive heart attack one week earlier, family members said.
“Though Erica didn’t ask to be an activist, she responded to the personal tragedy of seeing her father die … by becoming a leading proponent for criminal justice reform and for an end to police brutality,” said Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.).
Garner endorsed Sanders and campaigned on his behalf during the 2016 presidential race.
The Rev. Al Sharpton, remembering the mother of two at a Harlem rally hours after her death, said Erica’s health issues were not the only cause of her death.
“That’s only partially true because her heart was already broken when she couldn’t get justice for her father,” Sharpton said to cheers.
“Her heart was attacked by a system that would choke her dad and not hold accountable those that did it.”
Eric Garner, 43, died in July 2014 as he was arrested by the NYPD on Staten Island. His final words — “I can’t breathe” — were captured on video, and became the mantra of the Black Lives Matter movement.
A Staten Island grand jury declined to indict Officer Daniel Pantaleo in connection with the death.
Erica in turn became an outspoken BLM advocate and a vocal critic of police brutality over the next three years before her death.
“She bravely transformed her unspeakable personal pain into political power as she became a leader in the fight for police reform,” said New York Civil Liberties Union Executive Director Donna Lieberman.
“We are sad to lose a champion of justice, but we know that the people she inspired with her fearlessness and tenacity will continue the fight.”
Her mother Esaw Snipes said Erica fought desperately for her life in the last week, and her 8-year-old daughter convinced family members not to take Erica off life support.
“She was a warrior, she was a fighter and we didn’t pull the plug on her,” said Esaw Snipes. “She left on her own terms.”
Relatives and friends stood a constant vigil at Woodhull Hospital during Erica’s final days. The family expects to announce funeral plans on Tuesday.
Mayor de Blasio, blasted in harsh terms last year by Erica for not releasing Pantaleo’s disciplinary records, issued a statement praising his critic.
“Erica Garner’s death is a horrible tragedy,” tweeted de Blasio. “… This city will miss her unshakable sense of justice and passion for humanity.”
Garner suffered a heart attack four months ago after a difficult pregnancy that ended with the birth of her son Eric — named for her father. An asthma attack preceded her cardiac issues.
“If anything, she would want us to do in memory of her is keep fighting for justice and keep fighting for families,” Sharpton said.
With Christina Carrega