Rep. Waters Issues Statement on the Passing of Geronimo Pratt

"I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my dear friend, Geronimo Pratt, who I loved and respected. Geronimo sacrificed years of his life in prison for a crime he didn't commit. Thankfully, he was exonerated and he dedicated his life before, during, and after his long overdue exoneration to the uplifting of people and to justice and freedom.

"After his release, he worked on behalf of people in his hometown of Morgan City, Louisiana, donating monies that he received from the settlement stemming from his unlawful imprisonment to many local programs. One of the most wonderful experiences I've ever had was visiting his hometown and witnessing first hand his efforts to bring housing and other opportunities to people of color in the city. One of his joys in life was taking his boat down to the bayou. I recall one time when he invited my husband, me, and other friends on his boat and pointed out alligators and other wildlife to us.

"But he wasn't just content with helping those in his hometown. He also wanted to help those in underdeveloped countries, which was why he decided to move to Tanzania. There, he worked with friends to develop resources and to uplift struggling communities in that country.

"He's a hero in my book. I'm going to miss him."