Local Activist Among Dead at Indiana State Fair Stage Collapse

Christina Santiago (Image from Santiago's Facebook page).

Saturday's collapse of a stage at the Indiana State Fair had a sad Chicago connection. Christina Santiago, manager of programming for Howard Brown Health Center's Lesbian Community Care Project, was among those killed.

The 29-year-old Bronx native was well-regarded among the LGBT community for her activism and tireless work ethic: the trip to Indianapolis with her partner Alisha Marie Brennon was a rare non-work related moment for Santiago.

Santiago's work to expand the LCCC Program at Howard Brown earned her the organization's 2010 Spirit Award. Dozens of Santiago's friends and colleagues gathered at Howard Brown yesterday for a memorial service, and a memorial fund in her honor is being planned.

Brennan was among the 45 injured and is recovering from surgery in Indianapolis.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@chicagoist.com with further questions, comments or tips.