Actor Andy Garcia hailed the life of his niece's boyfriend, Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor, for being brave while protecting his family.
Garcia is the uncle of Jackie Garcia, Taylor's girlfriend, who was in the house when an intruder came in Monday morning and shot twice at Taylor, one hitting Taylor in the leg. Garcia was hiding under the sheets, protecting their 18-month old daughter when Taylor confronted the intruder.
Garcia and her family have kept quiet, declining to speak to the media.
However, Garcia issued a statement in which he spoke very highly of Taylor.
''His heroic action on that tragic night saved their life and is a testament to his humanity and courage,'' Garcia said in his statement. "His spirit will live forever, in our hearts and through the legacy of his achievements and the family he leaves behind.''
Taylor and Garcia met at Gulliver Prepatory School in Miami while Taylor was a star football player and Garcia a successful soccer player. The couple also attended the University of Miami together and had their first child last year, also named Jackie. The two were engaged to be married.
''Sean was known to many as an extraordinary athlete and unquestionable teammate,'' Garcia said. ``To those of us who had the good fortune to count him as a member of our extended family, we will always remember him as a caring and loving individual especially to his new family, his precious daughter Jackie and to the love of his life and mother to his child my niece Jacqueline.''
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