Influential State Senator Dies in US After Complications From Knee Surgery, Details Emerge
- Florida state senator, Geraldine Thompson, has died surrounded by her family following complications from knee replacement surgery
- The deceased was first elected to the Florida Legislature on November 6, 2018 – and became the first female Democrat and person of colour to represent Florida House District 44
- Legit.ng reports that the late Thompson then went on to represent District 15 in the Senate, representing West Orange County
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Legit.ng journalist, Ridwan Adeola Yusuf, has over 9 years of experience covering global issues.
Florida, USA - Florida state senator, Geraldine Thompson, has died following complications from knee replacement surgery.
As reported by AP News, Thompson’s family confirmed in a statement that the 76-year-old passed away on Thursday, February 13, 2025.
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Her family said she would be remembered for her achievements but also as their beloved matriarch.
The statement released by the Thompson family reads:
“Senator Geraldine Thompson was so much more than a dedicated public servant and visionary leader.
“She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother whose love, wisdom and compassion shaped their lives and the lives of so many in their community and across the state.”
The Orlando-area Democrat had served in the Florida Legislature since 2006. Her most recent time in the Florida senate began in 2022. She had previously served as a member of the Florida senate from 2012 to 2016. She also served in the Florida House from 2006 to 2012 and again from 2018 to 2022.
Geraldine Thompson's death: Associates mourn
Meanwhile, from Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer to state representatives like Maxwell Frost, people have shared his thoughts on the late senator.
Spectrum News 13 quoted Frost as saying:
“(Thompson) paved the way for many, including myself, to step up and serve our communities.”
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said in part of his statement:
"She was a tireless advocate for the underprivileged, and her effectiveness will be missed in the Florida legislature."
State Representative Anna Eskamani commented:
“It’s a huge loss for many of us from a political perspective."
Eskamani noted that even when some lawmakers did not agree with the bills that Thompson was fighting for, everyone respected her and wanted to listen when she spoke.
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Ex-Nigerian senator dies in US hospital
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that a former lawmaker, Senator Annie Okonkwo, died in an unnamed hospital in the US.
The lawmaker who represented Anambra Central senatorial district passed on less than two weeks after he celebrated his 63 birthday.
A family member who pleaded anonymity confirmed the report of his demise.
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Source: Legit.ng
