BROOKLYN — A staffer for Gov. Andrew Cuomo died Wednesday, nine days after he was shot in the head in the lead-up to Labor Day's West Indian Day Parade, officials said.
Carey Gabay, 43, is thought to have stumbled upon a gang-related shooting. There had been no arrests as of Thursday, officials said.
Gabay, a lead counsel with Cuomo's Empire State Development Corp., was shot on Bedford Avenue, near Montgomery Street, about 3:40 a.m. Sept. 7 during J'Ouvert celebrations, officials said.
He was listed as brain dead at Kings County Hospital shortly after the shooting, officials said.
"He was a friend and role model to the many people who were blessed to have known him and he will be greatly missed," Cuomo said.
"Today, the state of New York has lost one of its finest men."
Gabay, who lived in Clinton Hill, grew up in Bronx housing projects and attended Harvard before joining the Cuomo administration.
"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," the governor said.
"New York is undeniably a better place today because of his service."
Gabay is survived by his wife, Trenelle Gabay, his mother and stepfather, Aubrey and Rupert McNaughton, sisters Crystal Gabay Nurse and Stephanie Gabay Smith and brother, Aaron McNaughton, officials said.
Police were still hunting those responsible for the shooting and offering $12,500 for information.
Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477).
