TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Jorge Diaz-Johnston is being remembered as a champion of same-sex marriage rights in Florida.
Diaz-Johnston, age 54 of Tallahassee, was found dead in a Jackson County landfill on Jan. 8.
Please share to help locate this missing person. If you have information regarding Jorge’s whereabouts, please call TPD at 850-891-4200. pic.twitter.com/zSipsk0vKG
— Tallahassee Police (@TallyPD) January 8, 2022
He was reported missing to the Tallahassee Police Department on Jan. 8.
Florida Democratic Party chair Manny Diaz, the brother of Diaz-Johnston, released a statement late Thursday morning:
"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. My brother was such a special gift to this world whose heart and legacy will continue to live on for generations to come. I am also so very grateful to the Tallahassee Police Department - with the support of Mayor Dailey and City Manager Goad - who have worked tirelessly to locate and investigate the circumstances surrounding my brother's disappearance. Their commitment has meant the world to my family and will continue to mean the world in our search for justice. We ask for privacy and continued prayers."
Equality Florida also shared the impact Diaz-Johnston had.
“We are heartbroken to learn of the death of Jorge Diaz-Johnston. Jorge and his husband Don were two of the brave plaintiffs who took on Florida’s anti-gay marriage ban and helped secure marriage equality for all Floridians. Our deepest condolences to Don and Jorge’s extended family,” a posted statement on Equality Florida’s Facebook page read Thursday morning.
Equality Florida says on its website it is an organization that is the largest civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality for Florida's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community.
The Jackson County Sheriff's Office said in a news release Thursday the body of Diaz-Johnston was discovered at the Springhill Landfill in Campbellton.
The Tallahassee Police Department said Wednesday night that it is investigating the case as a homicide and asks anyone with information on the incident to call the Tallahassee Police Department at 850-891-4200. They may also remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 850-574-TIPS.
