Andrea Doria Dos Passos Obituary – A transgender woman, aged 37, named Andrea, was tragically killed outside the Miami City Ballet in Miami, Florida on April 23, 2024. This incident marks the ninth violent killing of a transgender or gender expansive individual in 2024 as identified by HRC. Unfortunately, many of these cases remain unreported or misreported.
Andrea was experiencing homelessness at the time of her death and had been struggling with housing insecurity for a while, according to her family. She was sleeping near the Ballet’s entrance when she was approached by a man who violently attacked her, resulting in her death. The following morning, a ballet employee discovered her body and promptly contacted the authorities. The perpetrator was swiftly apprehended thanks to security footage, charged with first-degree murder, and denied bond during the initial hearing.
A vigil in memory of Andrea took place on April 25 at Miami Beach’s Old City Hall, organized by Pridelines, a local LGBTQ+ community center that Andrea was affiliated with. Edward Summers, the executive director of Pridelines, described Andrea as someone who found solace in their offices, considering it a safe haven where she could be her true self and enjoy life. Andrea’s mother, present at the vigil, expressed gratitude for the supportive community that Andrea had found, stating that it brought her comfort knowing that her daughter was loved and accepted.
Despite the Miami Police Department’s assertion that there is no evidence suggesting Andrea was targeted due to her gender identity or sexual orientation, local advocacy groups are calling for a thorough investigation. The Flamingo Democrats, Miami Dade County’s LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus, have urged the State’s Attorney to consider adding a hate-crime charge to the existing charges. Andrea’s stepfather also voiced his disappointment, stating that he believes the system failed her.