NYPD Officer Who Made Headlines for Twerking at Gay Pride Parade Dies of Sept. 11-Related Cancer

Sad to read about the passing of NYPD Officer Michael Hance, who raised eyebrows and made headlines in 2015 for twerking with a reveler at the city's Gay Pride parade. The Daily News reports that 17-year veteran of the NYPD, who worked the bucket brigade in the aftermath of the terror attack on the World Trade Center, died Sunday at 44 of cancer attributed to the tragedy. (Republicans claim to be the pro-cop party, yet fought tooth and nail against renewing the Zadroga Act, which helped pay for treatment for those who risked their lives on Sept. 11.)

 "He always liked to help people," his brother, Peter Hance, 45, told the Daily News. "He always liked to do good."

Hance, who worked out of the 111th Precinct in Bayside, Queens, was diagnosed with brain cancer in November after he fell in front of his home and complained of feeling dizzy, his brother said. As he fought the disease, the cancer spread to his lungs, liver and chest. Hance, who wasn't gay, uplifted the city's spirits two years ago when a cellphone video of him dancing on duty and in uniform with reveler Aaron Santis at the Manhattan pride parade to the Michael Jackson song "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" went viral. RIP.

The 13-second video has been viewed nearly 8 million times, said Paige Ponzeka, who recorded the unique New York moment.