NYPD Officer And 9/11 First Responder Dies Of Cancer

NEW YORK, NY — An NYPD officer and 9/11 first responder who went viral for his spontaneous dancing during the NYC Pride March in 2015 has died, according to his family.

NYPD Officer Michael Hance died on Sunday of cancer, his brother told the New York Daily News. Hance served in the department for 17 years, including as a first responder after the 2001 terrorist attacks, according to his obituary. The NYPD confirmed to Patch that Hance was appointed in March of 2000.

Hance became an internet celebrity when a clip of him dancing during the during the gay pride parade in 2015 went viral:

Hance, who was 44 when he died, lived in Bethpage, NY and worked in the 111th Precinct in Queens, according to the Daily News. He is survived by his two daughters and his fiance among other family members, according to his obituary.

The Gay Officers Action League (GOAL) of New York has launched a fundraiser for Hance's daughters.

"Although not a member of GOAL NY or the LGBTQ Community, he certainly brought a smile to all of our faces when he danced," the organizers wrote on the fundraiser's page. "We as members and friends of GOAL are starting this fundraiser for his two daughters to be presented at the GOAL Pride Celebration on June 21, 2017."

This story has been updated with additional information.

Lead image via Shutterstock.