Florida Mayor Issues A Curt Reply As His Raging Ex-Fiance Commits A Suicide

Fort Lauderdale, Florida's Mayor, Dean Trantalis, was left with just a few words of response as news of his ex-fiancé’s death reached him. On Thursday, 35-year-old Daniel Curran was found dead outside an apartment complex in the Tampa Bay area.

​A report by Tampa Bay Times stated that Curran died by suicide on the day that he turned 35. In fact, the day of his death was right after he crossed paths with his ex-fiancé Trantalis at a court hearing.

​In March 2025, it was reported that the 72-year-old Democratic mayor, Dean Trantalis was dating Curran, nearly half his age. In July, the couple reportedly were engaged and were looking forward to joyous life. Their engagement, however, was cut short, when, in September, the mayor filed for a domestic violence injunction against Curran.​

​While the reason behind the couple’s discord is not known, Curran was accused of violating a court order and becoming violent. Although the injunction between them was scheduled to expire on December 3, Curran appeared at Trantalis’ home on November 1.

Authorities said Curran was seeking to reconnect with his former partner. But instead of a reunion, a physical altercation broke out between him and Trantalis. Curran allegedly shoved the mayor, and the two fell to the ground. The 35-year-old then allegedly dragged Trantalis about 15 feet across the street. As a result, the mayor suffered injuries.

Four days later, Curran again tried to return to Trantalis’ home. But this time, he was arrested. He was charged with battery on a person older than 65, along with contempt of court and violation of an injunction.

​Speaking with the Tampa Bay Times, Dean Trantalis expressed his sympathies and sorrow in an unusually curt statement. He said, “He was a loving individual, and my sympathies go out to his family. Perhaps now, the pain he endured will subside. May he rest in peace.”

​According to the court documents, Trantalis was willing to give their relationship a chance. During the domestic violence injunction, the mayor accused the latter of throwing things around occasionally due to his fit of rage. He added that Curran even tried to throw him out of his own house during the violent encounter in November.

​Dean then added that while initially he hoped to reconnect with his ex-fiance, the alleged attack on him changed his mind completely. He tried various ways to get Daniel checked into counselling and mental health treatment for his foul temper. In fact, the mayor attempted the same even after the couple’s separation. However, it did not work out.

A judge granted Dean Trantalis’ request for a no-contact order against Daniel Curran. Meanwhile, Curran posted a bond of $6,000 two days after his arrest. In his first reaction after his release, he spoke about his love for Trantalis. He had said, “No matter what. I always have and will love him.”

Before Curran’s suicide, the couple met for the last time in court. On Wednesday, Dean Trantalis said his ex-fiancé was no longer a threat. As a result, he moved the court to allow the previous no-contact order to be modified for limited purposes.