Gov. Andrew Cuomo's first deputy counsel, 43-year-old Carey Gabay, died after he was taken off life support on Wednesday night, according to his family. A statement issued by the family stated that the first deputy counsel in the Empire State Development Corporation, had been declared brain dead on Tuesday.
"We are saddened to announce that after an arduous week, Carey Gabay, our husband, son, brother, uncle and friend, has been declared brain dead as of late Tuesday. There are difficult decisions we will face in the coming hours and days as our family struggles to process what this means for us. We ask that our privacy be respected during this difficult time," read a statement from the family as reported by WABC-TV, according to The Huffington Post.
Gabay, an example of the American Dream, was the son of Jamaican immigrants, grew up in public housing in the Bronx, went on to study law at Harvard and joined Cuomo's administrative team in 2011.
He had been shot by a single bullet on Sept. 7, when he was caught in a cross fire between two rival gangs during a pre-dawn street party before the West Indian Day Parade while out walking with his brother.
"Carey was the epitome of an outstanding public servant. He held a tremendous commitment to his community, and he chose to use his many talents to better the lives of others. New York is undeniably a better place today because of his service. He was also a friend and role model to the many people who were blessed to have known him, and he will be greatly missed. Today, the State of New York has lost one of its finest young men," said a statement from Governor Andrew M. Cuomo.
The NYPD has announced a reward of $12,500 for information regarding the gunman responsible for the shooting.
"Carey has been fighting bravely, surrounded by the loved ones to whom he has brought so much joy with his jovial nature, generosity of spirit and enduring smile. This is a nightmare that's shaken our resolve and tested our faith," said Gabay's family previous to his demise, reports Newsday.
