Glenn Greenwald’s husband-in-law David Miranda has died aged 37 after a nine-month intensive care battle following a gastrointestinal infection.
Greenwald posted a heartbreaking tribute Tuesday morning announcing Miranda’s death, along with photos of the couple along with their two children. The 56-year-old called him “the most dedicated and loving father.” He taught me to be a father.
Miranda, a Brazilian congressman who grew up an orphan in Rio’s slums, was remembered by the country’s president, Lula, as a “young man with an extraordinary career.”
Greenwald said: ‘It is with the deepest sadness that I announce the passing of my husband, @DavidMirandaRio. Tomorrow he would have turned 38 years old. Her death, early this morning, came after a 9 month battle in ICU. He died in full peace, surrounded by our children, family and friends.’
Miranda was admitted to the ICU of the São Vicente Clinic in Rio with severe abdominal pain in August. The cause of death was pancreatitis and a gastrointestinal infection that progressed to sepsis, his doctors told local press.
Greenwald, 56, posted a heartbreaking tribute Tuesday morning announcing Miranda’s death, along with photos of the couple along with their two children.
Greenwald, Miranda, their two children and the family dog
Greenwald shared touching photos of the couple together before her tragic illness overtook them. Miranda was admitted to the ICU of the São Vicente Clinic in Rio with severe abdominal pain in August 2022. The cause of death was pancreatitis and a gastrointestinal infection that progressed to septicemia, his doctors told local press.
Miranda and Greenwald pose for a selfie with fans
Greenwald said in his tribute: ‘David’s life was extraordinary in every way. His mother died when he was 5 years old, leaving him an orphan in Jacarezinho. But a beautiful and compassionate neighbor, Dona Eliane, took him in despite having 4 children of her own and deep poverty, she became his mother and gave him the chance of a lifetime.
“That gave David the opportunity to live his full potential in a society that often stifles him. He was key in Snowden’s story, he became the first gay man elected to the Rio Municipal Council and then to the federal Congress at the age of 32. He inspired many with his biography, passion and life force.
‘Because of how David grew up, there were always a lot of assumptions made by those who didn’t know him. Anyone who has done it will tell you that there was no one with a stronger will or life force. He was proud to have been named by TIME as our Next Generation Leaders.
“But by far David’s biggest dream, the thing that gave him the most pride and purpose, was to be a father. He was the most dedicated and loving father. He taught me to be a father. And our truly exceptional guys, with their own rocky start to living through, is his greatest legacy.
“When David arrived at the hospital on August 6, they told me there was little chance he would survive the week. I heard the same thing 3 times since then. He refused, in classic David style. The last 4 months gave our family the most beautiful moments together.
‘David was singular: the strongest, most passionate and most compassionate man I have ever met. Nobody had a bad word for him. I cannot describe the loss and pain. I will do everything possible to honor his legacy: our children and our NGOs. And I know many will celebrate him and the impact of him.’
Miranda attending a protest in Brazil. He was named to TIME’s Next Generation Leaders section in 2019.
Miranda and Greenwald pose with their two children. In tribute to him, Greenwald said, “But by far David’s biggest dream, the thing that gave him the most pride and purpose, was to be a father.” He was the most dedicated and loving father. He taught me to be a father. And our truly exceptional guys, with their own rocky start to living through, is his greatest legacy.
