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The Morton Williams employee who died last week after confronting a suspected shoplifter has now been identified as 64-year-old Leobardo Hernandez.
The fatal incident took place just before 9:30 p.m. on Friday, September 27, at the Morton Williams supermarket located at 917 Ninth Avenue (between West 58th and 59th streets).
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Hernandez, a father of four—including three sons and a daughter—had been working at the store to help make ends meet. His sons told ABC News that he was punched in the chest by the suspect and later found lying on a milk crate. The shoplifter fled the scene and, as of this writing, has not been caught.An anonymous staff member also told W42ST that “[Hernandez] tried to stop someone from stealing, and there was a scuffle. He was taken to the hospital, but he didn’t make it.”
“He was a family man, he was always there for us, very supportive,” said Harold Hernandez, the victim’s son. “He was just always happy. I’ve never seen him upset ever.” His brother Henry described their father as “very lovable, very very kind-hearted… everybody he met, everybody ended up loving him because of the person he was.”
According to ABC News, an autopsy revealed that Hernandez had a slightly enlarged heart, plaque buildup, and a history of heart issues. Police are currently investigating whether stress from the incident contributed to his death and have not ruled out the possibility of a homicide case.
In an earlier statement to ILTUWS, Morton Williams owner Steven Sloan said, “We are all devastated by this horrible tragedy. He was a dedicated and long time employee for over 10 years and was loved by all that worked with him and knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones in this difficult moment.”
Speaking to ABC News on Monday, Harold added, “We do have a lot of questions as well, what’s the actual story, that’s what we want to know, we heard different stories, trying [to] put the pieces and puzzle together.”
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To help cover funeral expenses and honor Hernandez’s final wish—to be buried in his hometown in Mexico—his family has launched a GoFundMe campaign with the goal of raising $9,000 (as of writing, $5,495 has been raised).“My father was a kind and hardworking man who always put his family first, someone who touched the lives of everyone he met with his warmth and generosity,” the campaign reads. “His passing has left a hole in our lives that can never be filled.”
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