BETHPAGE, N.Y. — A New York City police officer who became a social media sensation dancing with a marcher at a gay pride parade has died.
The Arthur F. White Funeral Home in Bethpage said Michael Hance died Sunday of cancer. He was 44.
A video of Hance dancing in uniform and getting a kiss on the cheek at the 2015 Gay Pride parade has been seen by more than 8 million YouTube viewers.
Paige Ponzeka, who shot the video, said she was impressed someone not in the LGBT community displayed a positive outlook. The Gay Officers Action League said Hance represented the best of what police officers are about.
The 17-year NYPD officer is survived by two children. GOAL and others are raising money to benefit his family.
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