Update: Carey Gabay, Gov. Cuomo Staffer Shot in Brooklyn Parade, Has Died

Carey Gabay, a 43-year-old legal counsel to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo who was shot in the head during Labor Day festivities in Brooklyn, has been declared dead, his family announced in a statement Wednesday night.

In his own statement, Gov. Cuomo said:

“It is with profound sadness that we learn of the passing of Carey Gabay.”

“Carey was the epitome of an outstanding public servant. He held a tremendous commitment to his community, and he chose to use his many talents to better the lives of others. New York is undeniably a better place today because of his service. He was also a friend and role model to the many people who were blessed to have known him, and he will be greatly missed.”

“Today, the State of New York has lost one of its finest young men.”

“I thank the doctors, nurses and medical professionals who did everything they could to care for Carey. I also am incredibly appreciative to the men and women of the NYPD who stood watch over Carey and his family day in and day out since his shooting. “

“I ask that all New Yorkers please join me in keeping Carey’s family in their thoughts and prayers — especially his wife Trenelle Gabay, his mother and stepfather Audrey and Rupert McNaughton, his sisters Crystal Gabay Nurse and Stephanie Gabay Smith, his brother Aaron McNaughton, and his mother-in-law Rosemarrie Campbell. No one should have to experience the pain of losing someone they love to random gun violence, and his family is in our thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.”

Gabay, a Clinton Hill resident and soon-to-be father, was shot in the head on Sept. 7 during pre-parties for the annual West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn.

Police believe Gabay was randomly caught in cross-gang gunfire on Bedford Avenue and Sullivan Place, near Prospect Park, around 3:40 a.m.

“We have recovered a firearm,” NYPD Assistant Chief Patrick Conry said at a news conference. ”Based on ballistics evidence recovered, it appears that there were two groups of people shooting back and forth at each other.”

Police also believe they have a suspect. Last week, they released a sketch of a man seen fleeing the scene of the crime — as well as a video of two armed men running into a nearby building. (Embedded below.)

Police and politicians have put up a $12,500 reward for information on Gabay’s shooting.

Gabay has been in a coma at Kings County Hospital surrounded by loved ones in the week-and-a-half since the shooting.

“There are difficult decisions we will face in the coming hours and days as our family struggles to process what this means for us,” his family said in a previous statement, when he was declared brain dead.

“Carey has been fighting bravely surrounded by the loved ones to whom he has brought so much joy with his jovial nature, generosity of spirit and enduring smile,” the family added. “This is a nightmare that’s shaken our resolve and tested our faith.”

Gabay was appointed first-deputy counsel of Empire State Development, the governor’s economic development agency, in January.

“Carey is an outstanding public servant who joined our administration in 2011,” Cuomo said in the hours after the shooting. “He is a Harvard-educated lawyer who works for the State because he wants to give back to others and make a difference.”

The violence against Gabay was among at least three shootings along the parade route in the wee hours of Labor Day, in which four people were injured (including Gabay) and one young man was killed.

“This tragic shooting — this one by another seemingly random bullet — is the latest heartbreaking reminder that the crime of gun violence must stop,” Cuomo said. “Enough young, innocent people have died, and it must stop now.”

According to the New York Times:

“Mr. Gabay celebrated his Jamaican heritage by going every year to J’ouvert, a festival where bands play West Indian music and revelers dance in the streets.”

“He was walking home with his younger brother and several friends around 3:40 a.m. on Sept. 7 when nearly 30 bullets sprayed the crowd near the corner of Bedford Avenue and Sullivan Place, about two blocks from the east side of Prospect Park, the police said. Mr. Gabay ducked behind a car but was struck by a bullet in the top of his head.”