TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A man remembered as a champion of marriage equality in Florida was found dead in a landfill on Jan. 8.
The body of Jorge Diaz-Johnston, 54, was found in Jackson County the same day he was reported missing, according to the Tallahassee Police Department. Diaz-Johnston was last seen on Jan. 3.
Police say his death is being investigated as a homicide.
This undated photo provided by the Tallahassee Police Department shows Jorge Diaz-Johnston, who was reported missing Jan. 8, 2021. His body was found the same in a landfill. Police say his death is being investigated as a homicide. (Tallahassee PD)
According to NBC News, Diaz-Johnston and several others filed a lawsuit in 2014 after being barred from getting married.
In 2015, the judge sided with the plaintiffs, which led to the legalization of same-sex marriages in Miami-Dade County, the Tallahassee Democrat reported.
The news outlets reported that he is also the brother of former Miami Mayor Manny Diaz.
Diaz issued a statement on social media following the news of 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,” Diaz said on Twitter. “My brother was such a special gift to this world whose heart and legacy will continue to live on for generations to come.”
This story was originally published Jan. 12, by the Scripps National Content Team.
