George Floyd Wiki, Biography, Death, Family, and More

George Perry Floyd, an African-American man, tragically died in Minneapolis police custody on May 25, 2020. His death, captured on a widely circulated video, sparked global protests and widespread condemnation.

Wiki/Biography

Born on October 14, 1973, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, George Floyd was 46 years old at the time of his death. He spent his formative years in Houston’s Third Ward, a predominantly Black neighborhood where many family members still reside. He attended Jack Yates Senior High School, excelling in basketball and football. Floyd also briefly attended South Florida Community College.

After facing employment challenges in Houston, he relocated to Minneapolis around 2018. There, he worked various jobs, including a truck driver and a bouncer at Conga Latin Bistro. He also worked as a security guard at the Salvation Army’s Harbor Light homeless shelter earlier. His employment at the bistro ended due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent stay-at-home orders in Minnesota. A close friend reported Floyd was actively seeking new opportunities and aiming for a fresh start in Minneapolis.

Physical Appearance

• Height (approx.): 6’6”
• Eye Color: Black
• Hair Color: Black

Family & Ethnicity

George Floyd was of African-American heritage. While detailed information about his parents remains limited, it’s known he lost his mother in 2018. He is survived by his sister, Bridgett Floyd, and brothers Philonese Floyd and Rodney Floyd.

Relationships/Affairs

Floyd had a long-term relationship with Courtney Ross, who worked at a Minneapolis coffee shop. They were together for three years prior to his death. He also had a previous relationship with Christina Dawson.

Death

On May 25, 2020, Minneapolis police arrested Floyd, mistakenly believing he had used a counterfeit $20 bill. Video footage shows Floyd handcuffed on the ground while Officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for approximately 8 minutes and 46 seconds, despite Floyd’s repeated pleas that he couldn’t breathe. While the autopsy did not directly attribute the death to traumatic asphyxia, it noted underlying health conditions such as coronary artery disease and hypertensive heart disease.

Aftermath & Arrest of the Police Officers

The four officers involved – Derek Michael Chauvin, Tou Thao, Thomas K. Lane, and J. Alexander Kueng – were initially placed on leave before being fired. The FBI launched an investigation, and attorney Benjamin Crump represented Floyd’s family. Chauvin was the first to be arrested, charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. All four officers eventually faced charges. Chauvin’s conviction on all charges led to a significant sentence.

Demonstrations & Protests

Floyd’s death ignited widespread protests across the United States and internationally. Initially peaceful demonstrations quickly escalated in some areas, leading to clashes with law enforcement. The protests highlighted systemic racism and police brutality, becoming a pivotal moment in the Black Lives Matter movement.

Facts/Trivia

George Floyd, due to his considerable height, was known as “Gentle Giant” and “Big Floyd.” He was a member of the Houston hip-hop group Screwed Up Click and was remembered by associates for his cheerful personality and love of Latin music. The incident also led to the divorce filing of Derek Chauvin’s wife, Kellie Chauvin, who expressed condolences to the Floyd family. Floyd had a prior criminal record, including a 2007 armed robbery conviction.