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Leslie Cochran bids Austin goodbye: The king of keeping it weird moves toColorado
Leslie Cochran in late February, 2012.Photo by Ed Zavala/ KXAN
Leslie Cochran in earlier times.
Albert Leslie Cochran, better known around town as Leslie, has decided to move out of Austin.
Leslie told KXAN that he was planning to take the train to Colorado. He plans to move to Oak Creek, a small town northwest of Denver where he once lived. Where, he said, "I'm loved and respected."
Debbie Russell, a friend, told KXAN that he was planning to take a train out of Austin but needed to get proper identification together first. She said early Thursday that he was working to finish the paperwork but was not sure if he had completed it.
She is concerned for his well being and said he has medical conditions that need to be taken care of.
Leslie, who is about 60, is "arguably the most locally famous street person in Austin." He is often seen downtown wearing women's clothing, and has run for mayor.
On Wednesday Leslie stopped by Goodie Two Shoes on South Congress Avenue to say goodbye to owner Christine Ann, another friend according to the shop's PR manager Neil Diaz.
In October 2009 Leslie was hospitalized after falling in front of a taxi. He spent several weeks in rehab.
Leslie was on his way to the train station to see if he could get a train ticket. As to why he is leaving Austin, Leslie said "you gotta do what you gotta do."
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