Human Rights activist and HIV/AIDS advocate American lawyer Dr. Boyd Ed Graves died on June 18, 2009 at the University of California San Diego Medical Center. Dr. Graves was 57.

Dr. Graves' two decades of human rights' work, judicial activism and research on behalf of people living with HIV/AIDS, catapulted him into the world spotlight earning him both international acclaim for his bravery and dedication as well as criticisms for his controversial conclusions about the man-made origins and purpose of the HIV/AIDS virus.

Known by “Ed” to his friends and family, Dr. Graves was a dynamic and patriotic individual who dedicated his professional and personal life to the disabled, disenfranchised and the fair daily existence of men and women worldwide.

Born on July 7, 1952 in Charleston, West Virginia to James and Theresa Graves, Boyd Ed Graves was the third of nine children. In 1955 Graves' family moved to Youngstown, Ohio where his father and mother both worked several jobs simultaneously to purchase their first house.