'A real hero': Angel 'Sarah' Rampersad, killed in Iran attack, laid to rest at emotional NYC funeral

Tributes to Sgt Angel "Sarah" Rampersad began days before her funeral, when hundreds of Queens residents gathered for a candlelight vigil in her honor. Rampersad, one of four US service members killed during the Iran conflict, was remembered by family, friends and neighbors at the gathering organized by the Ozone Park Residents Block Association. Held on 96th Street—the neighborhood where the 28-year-old soldier lived and was well known—the vigil brought together members of the community to celebrate her life and military service. Surrounded by friends, neighbors and well-wishers, Rampersad's family found comfort in an outpouring of support as the community mourned one of its own.

The NYPD Highway Patrol led the procession carrying the remains of Sgt Rampersad to the Calvary Assembly of God located at 102-07 Rockaway Boulevard in Ozone Park. The Ozone Park native was one of three US soldiers reportedly killed July 17 when Iranians rained missiles on the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan.

Rampersad's family reflected on the profound loss of a daughter, sister and friend. Through tears, her mother, Carol Acevedo, remembered her as both a devoted soldier and a beloved member of the family. "My daughter was a real hero and I will miss her dearly," Acevedo said, struggling to hold back tears as she addressed mourners. “Love your kids. … Embrace them, cherish them and be there for them,” she told the church crowd of hundreds. “I don’t have my Sarah anymore.”

Rampersad was given a hero’s sendoff before she was buried at the Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale. NYPD cops in uniform carried her coffin out of the church and into a hearse, while a police procession lined the Queens streets and saluted the fallen soldier.

Friends eulogized the young soldier as a selfless and adventurous champion of underdogs, who had a playful sarcastic sense of humor. “She showed up for the people she loved and never expected anything in return,”  said youth group friend Kimberly Ann. “She made a lot of people feel like they belong.” She added, “Sarah was crazy in the best way—endlessly adventurous and completely relentless. She told me, ‘Do what you have to but just make sure you’re having fun.’”

During the funeral, devastated family members, neighbors and fellow soldiers brushed away tears while the Rampersad’s favorite gospel songs loudly echoed through the church. Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani both attended her funeral. The governor praised Rampersad for living a life of courage and selflessness.

The service was followed by a procession of thousands to salute Rampersad's final journey through her community that she loved, before being laid to rest at the Long Island National Cemetery. Local leaders have also called for a stretch of Cross Bay Boulevard to be renamed in her honor, ensuring her legacy remains a permanent part of the community she called home.