Carlos Vargas Ferrer

Carlos J. Vargas Ferrer (June 28, 1971 – November 2, 2015) was a Puerto Rican politician affiliated with the Popular Democratic Party (PPD). He was elected to the Puerto Rico House of Representatives in 2012 to represent District 29.

Vargas died on the morning of November 2, 2015, after a car accident. He was 44 years old.

Early life and education

Carlos Vargas Ferrer was born in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, but raised in the nearby town of San Sebastián. From an early age, he was raised by his mother, Paulina Ferrer, and his stepfather, Ramón Vargas. Vargas officially adopted him when Carlos was 25 years old. In an interview, Vargas said "being adopted is one of the most beautiful experiences of my life ... [My stepfather] was always my father, emotionally he always was".

Vargas attended the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez. He graduated in 1994 with a bachelor's degree in Science and a Major in Biology. After that, he completed a Juris Doctor from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico School of Law, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Subsequently, Vargas passed the bar exam with a score of 94%. During his tenure as representative, he led the Banking and Financial Affairs Committee of the House and the Committee of Housing and Urban Development. He was also a permanent member of the Committees of Tax, Health, and Cooperativism, among others.

Vargas distinguished himself for leading what was considered by some as "avant garde" projects in favor of the medicalization of marihuana, eliminating voting rights to convicts, and expanding rights to the LGBT community, among others.

Personal life

Vargas was married to Angela Rodríguez Acosta. They had two children together, Julianna and Osvaldo.

In 2010, Vargas underwent bariatric surgery at the Mennonite Hospital in Aibonito, and went from weighing 427 to 186 pounds. After that, he kept himself involved in fitness and exercise, participating in several marathons. He said in an interview that the key to maintaining his weight was "lots of exercise ... once I started exercising, I haven't stopped." Governor Alejandro García Padilla declared three days of mourning as a result of Vargas' death.

A ceremony was held on November 4, 2015, at the Capitol of Puerto Rico. His remains were cremated and his organs donated.