Glenn Greenwald’s politician husband David Miranda dies aged 37

Glenn Greenwald’s politician husband 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, alongside photos of the pair with their two sons. The 56-year-old called him ‘the most dedicated and loving parent. He taught me how to be a father.’

Miranda, a Brazilian congressman who grew up an orphan in the slums of Rio, was remembered by the country’s President Lula as a ‘young man with an extraordinary trajectory’.

Greenwald said: ‘It is with the most profound sadness that I announce the passing away of my husband, @DavidMirandaRio. He would have turned 38 tomorrow. His death, early this morning, came after a 9-month battle in ICU. He died in full peace, surrounded by our children and family and friends.’

Miranda was admitted to the ICU at Clínica São Vicente in Rio with severe abdominal pain in August. The cause of death was pancreatitis and a gastrointestinal infection that progressed to septicemia, his doctors told local press.

Greenwald, 56, posted a heartbreaking tribute Tuesday morning announcing Miranda’s death, alongside photos of the pair together with their two sons

Greenwald, Miranda, their two sons and the family’s dog 

Greenwald shared touching pictures of the pair together before his tragic illness took hold. Miranda was admitted to the ICU at Clínica São Vicente 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 all ways. His mother died when he was 5, leaving him an orphan in Jacarezinho. But a beautiful and compassionate neighbor, Dona Eliane, took him in despite 4 children of her own and deep poverty, became his mom, gave him a chance for a life. 

‘That gave David the chance to live his full potential in a society that often suffocates it. He was key to the Snowden story, became the first gay man elected to Rio’s City Council, then federal Congress at 32. He inspired so many with his biography, passion, and force of life. 

‘Because of how David’s grew up, there were always many assumptions made by those who didn’t know him. Anyone who did will tell you there was nobody with a stronger will or life force. He was proud that he was named by TIME our Next Generation’s Leaders.

‘But by far David’s biggest dream, what gave him the greatest pride and purpose, was being a father. He was the most dedicated and loving parent. He taught me how to be a father. And our truly exceptional boys – with their own difficult start to live – is his greatest legacy.  

‘When David arrived at the hospital last August 6, I was told there’s was little chance he’d survive the week. I heard the same 3 times since. 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, most compassionate man I’ve known. Nobody had a bad word for him. I can’t describe the loss and pain. I’ll do my best to honor his legacy: our children and our NGOs. And I know so many will celebrate him and his impact.’

Miranda attending a protest in Brazil. He was named by by TIME in their Next Generation’s Leaders section in 2019

Miranda and Greenwald pose with their two boys. In his tribute, Greenwald said: ‘But by far David’s biggest dream, what gave him the greatest pride and purpose, was being a father. He was the most dedicated and loving parent. He taught me how to be a father. And our truly exceptional boys – with their own difficult start to live – is his greatest legacy’