A night out with friends and a walk home while belting out Cher songs. That was the evening Greg Breidenbach was expecting. But it took a violent and hateful turn when he was blindsided, beaten, and left for dead.
The person or people who did this are still at large, and it’s left the LGBTQ community shaken at its core. Like so many people who walk to and from their favorite bars and restaurants, Breidenbach had made the trip between his home and Oasis Lounge countless times.
Around 10:30 p.m. on July 7 he was on his way home when he was attacked. He blacked out and after being helped home only then was able to understand and communicate he was beaten.
“I knew I was punched, kept getting punched in the face, kicked in the back, and they just kept calling me faggot,” Breidenbach told WPLG from his hospital bed.
He has broken bones in his left eye socket, left sinus cavity and left cheek. He underwent facial reconstruction on July 12. Greg now has metal plates on the left side of his face.
Miami PD have canvassed the neighborhood and are investigating if this was a hate-motivated crime. As of July 31, no arrests had been made nor persons of interest identified.
Community Support
Besides physical and emotional scars that may never heal, Breidenbach faced costly medical costs. His friend, Stephanie Kepley, started a GoFundMe page, and the response has been overwhelming. Donations have soared past the original goal of $20,000 and now exceeds $28,000.
It’s fitting that friends and strangers have rallied to his aide. He’s on the board of directors for the Women's Club of Coconut Grove, the Hostess Chair at the Women's Club and participates yearly in the Mango Strut parade, and the Bingo Chair that raises thousands a year that goes back into the community. Breidenbach is also a flight attendant for American Airlines.
“Greg is friendly, outgoing and always willing to help others,” Kepley said. “Greg always has a smile on his face and would give you the shirt off his back. I am hoping any bit of money will make it a little easier for Greg to recover. I also want to bring awareness to this hate crime that Greg did not deserve!”
If you have any information about this attack, contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-8477
To donate and learn more about his story, visit his GoFundMe page.
