BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — A former Connecticut state senator has passed away after a two-car accident last week in Bridgeport.
Edwin Gomes, 84 suffered head injuries in the crash on Sunday, December 14 and was in critical condition.
City police say Gomes was turning into a KFC restaurant when he colliding with an oncoming car. Officials say the 19-year-old driver of the other car suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
The crash remains under investigation.
Gomes, a Democrat from Bridgeport, retired from the Senate in the 23rd District last year after serving 12 years.
He was involved in various positions in government over the last five decades.
Several leaders across Connecticut have released statements on the passing Gomes.
Governor Ned Lamont:
“Senator Ed Gomes was a fighter – for Bridgeport, for workers and for the State of Connecticut. Courageous and persistent, when I first entered politics to lead a charge for change in 2006, Ed Gomes was the first one to stand by my side. More than just Bridgeport, Connecticut lost a giant today who advocated for so many. Ed will be sorely missed by all, and our prayers go out to his family and loved ones.”
Lieutentant Governor Susan Bysiewicz:
“Senator Gomes was a fierce champion for working families across the state whose unwavering commitment to justice made him a giant in Connecticut’s state Senate and the Bridgeport community. He never forgot where he came from or who he was elected to fight for. That was Senator Gomes’ legacy — one that now lives on through those he mentored, including state Senator Marilyn Moore and state Senator-elect Jorge Cabrera. He will be truly missed by the State of Connecticut. My family and I extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends.”
Bridgeport Mayor Ganim:
“My sympathies go out to the Gomes family. Ed dedicated much of his life to public service and his community as well as second chance opportunities. Those who knew him across the state, and here in Bridgeport will miss him.”
Stratford Mayor Laura R. Hoydick:
“I want to extend my heartfelt sympathies to the family and loved ones of former State Senator Ed Gomes on his passing. Ed proudly served the people of Bridgeport and Stratford in the state senate representing the 23rd District for many years. I have many fond memories of working with Ed on projects for Stratford and our region when we both served in the legislature together. He was a capable and thoughtful advocate for his constituents, and truly cared about everyone he served. Ed Gomes was a fighter with an independent spirit, who was well-respected at the state capitol, as well as here at home. The prayers of Stratford are with Ed’s family during this difficult time, with the assurance that his work and contributions will never be forgotten.”
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT):
“Ed Gomes was a relentless, irrepressible champion of working families - truly a happy warrior. His endless energy and generous spirit inspired so many of us to fight even harder for economic and racial justice. He touched so many lives with his wonderful combination of toughness and compassion. I am proud to have been his friend and my heart goes out to his family.”
Senate Republican Leader Len Fasano (R-North Haven):
“Ed was held in high regard by Republicans and Democrats at the State Capitol because he was a straight shooter. He would look you in the eye and tell you his honest opinion on any issue. That’s the type of approach and style which commands respect in that building. Ed also had a wonderful sense of humor, which helped to make him an even more effective an influential lawmaker. Above all, Ed was unceasingly passionate about serving the people of the city he loved: Bridgeport. His loss is cause for sadness, but Ed Gomes has left behind an enduring legacy through his many years of public service to our state. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ed’s family. It was an honor to know him, to work with him, and to learn from him.”
Senate Republican Leader-elect Kevin Kelly (R-Stratford):
“Ed Gomes was a true advocate. We served adjacent state senate districts, both representing Stratford, and I had the opportunity to collaborate with Ed on a variety of constituent issues. Ed’s unique life experience made him an asset to the Connecticut Senate, and he would never hesitate to share that experience during our debates in order to educate and enlighten his fellow lawmakers. He was especially proud of the greater Bridgeport community and the contributions he made to improve the lives of Connecticut labor. Ed was genuine and kindhearted, as well as someone who was always quick with a quip to inject levity into serious policy discussions. I admired Ed for his fierce advocacy on behalf of the 23rd Senate District and Connecticut labor, and I know I speak for the entire Senate Republican Caucus when I say how saddened we are about his loss. Our thoughts and sympathy are with Ed’s loved ones on this sad day.”
Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff:
"Ed Gomes was a colleague, a genuine friend, and a man that everyone loved. He was one of the most authentic people to ever serve in the Senate and devoted so much of his life toward fighting for hard-working people of Connecticut. Ed could tell a story like no other whether to humanize the most complex policy question or make everyone in a room burst with laughter. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends and the countless others around the state that knew his great spirit and were better for it."
Sal Luciano, President of the Connecticut AFL-CIO:
“Today the labor movement lost a true hero for working people. As a retired steelworker and member of USW, Ed Gomes knew what it was like to work for a living and brought that experience to the state legislature every day. Ed never forgot where he came from and never apologized for standing with workers and fighting to make their lives better. Hundreds of thousands of Connecticut workers have undoubtedly benefited from Ed's advocacy throughout his career, which spanned working as an international representative with the United Steelworkers, a city council member in Bridgeport, and a state senator until his retirement in 2019. Ed fought passionately to raise the minimum wage, protect the right to organize, and ensure every worker could retire with dignity. His tragic passing is a loss for our state that has already suffered so much this year. The entire labor movement has Ed’s family and friends in our thoughts and prayers.”
