Philadelphia's openly gay deputy sheriff, 26, 'shoots himself dead at his desk' just one day after attending a Pride event
- Philadelphia's openly gay deputy sheriff died by apparent suicide on Friday
- Reports claim Dante Austin, 27, an army veteran, died from a gunshot wound and was found at his desk
- A friend said he had met him a previous day to discuss him running for Sheriff
- He also attended the raising of a rainbow flag marking June as Gay Pride Month
Philadelphia's deputy sheriff, who was openly gay, died by apparent suicide on Friday as the city's Pride celebrations got underway.
Dante Austin, 27, who had been named the office's LGBTQ community liaison officer in 2017, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was found in his office, CBS Philly reported.
Austin, an Army veteran who was working in the Civil Enforcement Unit, was scheduled to be promoted to sergeant on July 1.
He was widely praised as being 'brave and compassionate', having dedicated his short life to public office.
The deputy sheriff of Philadelphia, Dnate Austin, who was gay and served as an LGBT community liaison officer, died of apparent suicide on Friday as the city's Price celebrations got underway
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Austin was scheduled to be promoted to sergeant on July 1. Confirmation on the details of his death have yet to be confirmed by the medical examiner's office.
News of his death has left the city reeling and comes as this year's Pride Day takes place there on Sunday.
In a statement, Sheriff Jewell Williams said Dante worked tirelessly to help society's most marginalized citizens and to secure safety and protection for the most vulnerable.
He added: 'Dante’s legacy is one of boldness, bravery, compassion, and an unfailing commitment to a kinder and more just world for all.
'As we move forward in mourning and honoring our friend and colleague, may we cherish and celebrate the ways he changed us, improved our city, and protected and saved lives.
Austin, an Army veteran who was working in the Civil Enforcement Unit, was scheduled to be promoted to sergeant on July 1
Philadelphia Sheriff Jewell Williams praised Austin for dedicating his life to marginalized and vulnerable citizens, and for being 'bold, brave and compassionate'
'We send our deepest condolences to Dante’s family, and the many colleagues and community members whose lives he touched with his limitless kindness, expansive heart, and remarkable talent.'
Austin also worked with Michael Grossberg for the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund, an organization that provides funding to LGBT nonprofits.
'I think the LGBT community in Philadelphia has struggled with issues of race and issues of equality and having leaders like Dante in our community was really fundamental,' Grossberg said.
Pennsylvania state Representative Brian Sims, who is openly gay, wrote on Twitter: 'Philadelphia’s LGBTQ community lost one of our best & brightest last night! Dante Austin was one of the strongest & kindest champions for equality I’ve ever met. He lifted up everyone he touched.
'He supported everyone who needed him. He cared deeply & loved loudly.'
Tributes from the policing and LGBT community came pouring in as news broke of Austin's passing
Austin also worked with Michael Grossberg for the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund, an organization that provides funding to LGBT nonprofits
Terrell Green, Austin's close friend, said they attended LOVE Park the day before his death on Thursday for the raising of a rainbow flag marking June as Gay Pride Month.
Austin and his former partner were last year’s Grand Marshal Couple at the city's annual Pride Parade, The Philadelphia Enquirer reported.
Green claimed that they also joined friends for lunch before the flag raising ceremony at a Center City sports bar to discuss strategy as he was going to run for sheriff in four years.
He told the publication: 'He was in high spirits. I was going to be his campaign manager.'
Austin's body was found at his desk at 100 S. Broad St and it believed that he shot himself. Sheriff Williams said the rainbow flag at City Hall will be lowered to half-staff in his honor.
Amber Hikes, executive director of the Mayor’s Office of LGBT Affairs, told the Enquirer that Austin had been her 'inside man' when she was learning about working city departments, in particular law enforcement.
'As a queer person of color, that was invaluable to me,' said Hikes. She said Austin had phoned her at 12:30 a.m. Friday, but declined to say what was discussed.
She also tweeted: 'Friends, I am destroyed and heartbroken by the news that ripped through our community this morning. Our beautiful Dante was a powerful force and a loving friend, beloved by our communities and by me personally.
'We will be feeling the devastation of this loss in every corner of our work, celebration, and love. It is nearly impossible to put into words how much he meant to all of us and candidly, I'm struggling to function in these moments.'
For confidential support call the National Suicide Prevention Line on 1-800-273-8255
- Dante Austin, LGBTQ Community Liaison For Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office, Found Dead At Desk – CBS Philly
- Deputy Dante Austin, ‘big-hearted’ LGBT leader, found dead in Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office
- Brian Sims on Twitter: "Philadelphia’s LGBTQ community lost one of our best & brightest last night! Dante Austin was one of the strongest & kindest champions for equality I’ve ever met. He lifted up everyone he touched. He su ...
