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Writing An Obit For An Immigrant Father And Day Laborer Who Died From COVID-19 Hits Close To Home
(Illustration by Chava Sanchez)
Writing an obituary is never easy.
This week, LAist began sharing the stories of Angelenos whose lives have been cut short by COVID-19. We began yesterday with the story of Gaspar Gomez of Pacoima, a father and longtime day laborer who died earlier this month.
But he’s much more than a day laborer and much more than a story. And that’s why I had hoped his daughter Lucia wouldn’t return any of my messages. I didn’t want to write an obituary, especially one about someone who could have easily been my cousin.
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
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Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
