This gay couple died together when a Miami bridge collapsed
(Facebook)
A gay couple has died together in a bridge collapse in Miami.
Osvaldo “Ozzy” González, 57, and Alberto Arias, 54, were partners for 21 years until their sudden deaths last week.
They were driving along a main road when the bridge at Florida International University fell on them, crushing the car with them inside.
Their bodies were recovered from the wreckage along with those of four other victims.
(Facebook/alberto arias)
The men, who organised parties for many local community members through their business, Classic Design Party Rental, were in the process of moving Arias’s mother and her belongings into their home.
Arias’s nephew, Luis Arias, said: “I know he told my grandma: ‘I love you.’ They hugged, [and he said:] ‘Make me something to eat tonight – picadillo,’ because that was his favourite,” according to the Miami Herald.
The long-term partners, who came from Cuba, were remembered fondly by their friends and family.
(Facebook)
Luis said described them as “outstanding beings, full of life, full of joy, always smiling, and always putting others before them.”
He added that the men, who he called “soulmates,” would now be buried side-by-side.
“They were together for 21 years — they were partners,” he said.
“They were together in their ups they were together in their downs, they were together in their travels and enjoying life and they will be together when they are laid to rest.”
González’s sister, Marisol, said he was “the best thing in the world.
(Facebook/alberto arias)
“The best brother, friend, very cheerful, with a desire to live life to the fullest.”
She said her brother had planned to travel to Cuba to take part in street parties called parrandas in Camajuaní, his hometown.
Amauri Naranjo, a longtime friend who González stayed with when he visited Camajuaní, paid tribute as well.
(Facebook/alberto arias)
“He was a family man,” Naranjo said.
“He had many friends because he was very communicative and he would help a lot of people here and he would also help with decorating the floats for the parrandas.”
Gladys Mata, a member of the local community, wrote on Facebook: “Hit a little closer to home finding out about Alberto and Oswaldo. My condolences to their families.
“They opened their beautiful home to me for my first [born’s] first birthday and made it memorable with the location and decorations. It’s sad to see how their lives [were] taken away. prayers to all the victims and their families.”
The families of both González and Arias are filing a lawsuit against the companies involved in the bridge’s collapse.
