A tragic loss unfolded last Friday night at a Morton Williams supermarket in Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan, where employee Leobardo Hernandez, a father of four, died following an altercation with a shoplifter. Hernandez, 64, confronted an individual attempting to steal a case of beer. He collapsed soon after and was pronounced dead at Mount Sinai West that same night, ABC7 New York reported.
According to statements made by Hernandez's family and cited by ABC7 New York, Leobardo, a dedicated employee at Morton Williams for over a decade, was said not to have had major health issues, except for diabetes. The precise cause of his death is still being determined by the medical examiner. Hernandez's family is coping with the loss and, has raised concerns regarding the actual circumstances of the incident. "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 put the pieces and puzzle together," Hernandez's son Harold expressed.
As a part of a tight-knit family, Leobardo Hernandez's passing signifies more than the end of a life; it represents a foundational shift in a home that relied on his love and steadfast presence. "He was a very supportive father to all of us, very caring, very uplifting to all of us," Harold told CBS News New York. The grief-stricken family has set up a shrine in their home as a testament to Hernandez's enduring spirit, complete with a photograph and his favorite chocolates.
Morton Williams, in a statement, mourned the loss of Hernandez, describing him as "a dedicated team member for more than ten years." The supermarket expressed condolences to the bereaved family, "our prayers are with Leo's family and friends at this difficult time," they stated as informed by ABC7 New York. Meanwhile, the NYPD has yet to make an arrest in connection with the incident, but they urge anyone with information to reach out to their Crime Stoppers hotline.
As the community reels from this unexpected tragedy, Hernandez's family seeks justice and closure. They have launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral expenses.
