ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Neighbors in Midtown are keeping in mind a precious dog walker who passed away suddenly today.
Diego Christian was discovered unconscious around 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, near Triple Jays Pizza Bar on Piedmont Ave NE, according to friends and family. He was walking 2 dogs at the time, among which came from Matthew Doyle.
Doyle informed Atlanta News First that absolutely nothing appeared uncommon when he dropped his dog off with Christian. The 51-year-old’s body was discovered by Samaritans. The cause and situations surrounding his death are still unidentified.
“Diego was the most compassionate person I knew, and he loved those dogs,” said Doyle, who understood Christian for almost a years.
Flowers, candle lights, and a homage poster sit outdoors Diego’s home on Piedmont Avenue. Doyle said Christian would typically remain front, after a long day’s work, and welcome next-door neighbors as they went by.
“Everyone knew who he was,” Doyle said. “They might not have known him by name, but they knew him just by seeing him on a regular basis.”
Christian’s niece informed Atlanta News First her uncle didn’t have any hidden medical conditions to her understanding. She said her family is moved by the profusion of love and assistance for her uncle.
“I didn’t realize how much he was loved until now,” she said. “I know he knows a lot of people. He’s that funny loud guy, but he’s also that sweet caring loving guy. But as far as community, I never knew people knew him.”
Doyle said Christian’s death is a big loss to the Midtown neighborhood.
“As a Midtowner, seeing the overwhelming amount of support and love online, you realize he meant so much to so many people even if they didn’t know him well,” said Doyle. “And so, Diego was a fixture in the community because he was so present. He was always on the street walking the dogs. Everyone knew him by sight, and he was a nucleus of our community.”
Doyle began a GoFundMe for Christian’s family, a part of which will “go to an animal charity that we will leave up to his friends to vote on and decide.” If you wish to contribute, click here.
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