NYC Council Member Dromm statement on the death of Ms. Colombia, a fixture in the Queens LGBT community

UsaNewsOnline.Com Desk, Jackson Heights, NY – The NYPD has reported to me that Ms. Colombia, a.k.a. Osvaldo Gomez, was found dead in the water off Jacob Riis Park yesterday.  At this time, no foul play is suspected.  An autopsy is being performed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to determine the exact cause of death.  More details to follow.

“Ms. Colombia, a.k.a. Osvaldo Gomez, was an iconic figure in the LGBT community and beyond,” said NYC Council Member Daniel Dromm (Jackson Heights, Elmhurst).  “She was beloved by all who saw her in the streets, at parades, and in the neighborhood wearing her colorful outfits and a bird on her shoulder.  Her cheerfulness and ability to bring a smile to the faces of all who met her will be missed by all New Yorkers.  I remember marching with Ms. Colombia at the first Queens Pride Parade and at other parades across the city, including the India Day Parade and the Chinese New Year Parade, among others.  While life did not always treat Ms. Colombia with all the respect she was due, New Yorkers will remember Ms. Colombia as a hero to everyone.  May Ms. Colombia rest in peace.”

My office in the process of reaching out to various organizations to plan a memorial vigil for Ms. Colombia in the next few days.  Those plans will be announced shortly. Press Release.