DJ Mark Leventhal Has Died: "He Remains in Our Hearts Always"

"We are heavy hearted," writes DJ Mark Leventhal's sister Amy in her most recent update for family, friends, fans, and fellow DJs. "Mark has been surrounded by love throughout this ordeal and passed away yesterday afternoon with his mom at his side. He brought love into the world and left...

By S. Pajot

February 19, 2014

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"We are heavy hearted," writes DJ Mark Leventhal's sister Amy in her most recent update for family, friends, fans, and fellow DJs.

"Mark has been surrounded by love throughout this ordeal and passed away yesterday afternoon with his mom at his side. He brought love into the world and left surrounded by it.

"He leaves behind his sons and daughter, his parents, his sisters, his friends and so many whose lives he has touched."

In late January, Leventhal, a longtime South Beach fixture and father of three, was hospitalized in the intensive care unit at Jackson North Medical Center after a sudden, terrible infection spread to his brain.

Despite being unconscious and unresponsive, his loved ones and supporters remained optimistic, especially when he awoke and began to breathe on his own.

Family and friends rallied around Leventhal, establishing a YouCaring.com campaign and organizing several benefits on his behalf, including a one-night revival of his signature '90s party, Fat Black Pussycat.

Last week, though, his condition seemed to take a turn for the worse as his sister Amy asked supporters to "pray for Mark" because "he is not progressing toward recovery."

"We (Mark's family)," Amy added, "have been wrapping our hearts and minds around the knowledge that Mark's path is not the path we hoped for."

And yesterday, Leventhal tragically succumbed to his illness.

"He remains," as his sister writes, "in our hearts always."

There will be a gathering to celebrate and mourn Mark Leventhal on Sunday, February 23. Details will be provided soon by the family.

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