Doorbusting at Long Island Walmart leads to worker's death

Remember that completely insane crime wave that hit when Sony's hotly anticipated PlayStation 3 finally rushed onto the scene in very limited numbers? Yeah, well that side of humanity is rearing its ugly head again, as an employee perished when legions of crazed Black Friday shoppers blazed through the doors of a Long Island Walmart. The worker was an overnight store clerk who was simply trying to hold back the crowds before the doors officially opened at 5:00AM. According to Jimmy Overby, another employee at the store: "They took the doors off the hinges. He was trampled and killed in front of me." Words to the wise: either do your Black Friday shopping from the safety of your own home, or be careful, cool, calm and collected when you venture out.

[Hackettman @ Nov 28th 2008 1:08PM]

Im in brooklyn and I only heard of this now........ Whoa!

[000000 @ Nov 28th 2008 1:46PM]

Seriously. WTF man! Please post their pictures on the news so everyone in America can see.

[coffee @ Nov 28th 2008 2:14PM]

It's frikkin Walmart, people, seriously. Pay 5 more bucks tomorrow for the same shit.

[Knives_Out @ Nov 28th 2008 2:35PM]

American consumerism at it's finest.

This is disgusting and it makes me embarrassed about being an American.

[InfinityPlusOne @ Nov 28th 2008 3:25PM]

You can bet your bottom that despite one of their own employees dying, management didn't even think of closing the store down. Anyone with any common sense would have immediately called the cops and told the employees not to sell anything until the infinitely more important matter at hand was resolved. Canada has the same huge sales on Boxing Day with people camping out in -30 degree celcius weather to save a couple hundred bucks on a tv or something, but the worst I've heard was a bit of pushing. It's frantic, but not stupid like this was.

This is captialism at its finest (read: worst) and it's quite sad.

What's also quite sad is that you can also bet on the family suing Wal-mart for a bundle, because suing people is what Americans do.

What a world we live in.

[Smart People Play Tuba @ Nov 28th 2008 3:55PM]

I never got trampled to death shopping online.

[Andrew @ Nov 28th 2008 4:14PM]

Why *wouldn't* family of the deceased sue Wal-Mart? This isn't hot coffee scolding we're talking about. The guy died doing his job, his death was completely avoidable and was possibly due to management negligence. I can't imagine any normal country where suing wouldn't occur.

[Knives_Out @ Nov 28th 2008 4:32PM]

There is a report about a shooting inside a Toys-R-Us ... google it.

[Knives_Out @ Nov 28th 2008 4:34PM]

Here's a quote from a witness on the scene ... taken from ABC.

Kimberly Cribbs, who witnessed the stampede, said shoppers were acting like "savages.... When they were saying they had to leave, that an employee got killed, people were yelling 'I've been on line since yesterday morning. They kept shopping."

[redringofdeath @ Nov 28th 2008 5:32PM]

Some of the comments on here are completely ridiculous. This was an accident. You want to know what this says about consumerism, capitalism, America, etcetera? Absolutely nothing. This is the result of a crowd going out of control and people behaving stupidly, not some nefarious plot or complete disregard for human life. Some of you act like these people busted down the door and then executed the employee when he tried to stop them.

Here's how it was described on Bloomberg:

"About 2,000 people had gathered outside the store as it prepared to open, Newsday reported, citing police Detective Lieutenant Michael Fleming, who spoke at a briefing. Shoppers in the back of the line pushed those in the front into the doors, which then came off their hinges, the newspaper said.

Hundreds of people then surged into the store, knocking over the worker and trampling him, Newsday said, citing Fleming."

This guy's death was the result of a stupid accident. It's very unfortunate, and I feel sorry for the family, but that's all I have to say about it.

What really bothers me are the holier-than-thou douchebags on this site (and nearly every other one) who post their moralizing, pseudo-philosophical bullshit whenever they get the chance. They're not actually interested in right and wrong; they're just desperately trying to prove that they're better than everyone else.

[grifmx @ Nov 28th 2008 6:23PM]

This is disgusting and makes me embarrassed about being a human being!

[Walt @ Nov 28th 2008 6:37PM]

Dear Infinity Plus One,

Your supposition the store did not ask shoppers to leave after the incident is incorrect. From the news article:

"Shoppers who surged past the fallen Walmart worker into the store were asked to leave by other store workers, some of them crying and visibly upset, said one shopper, Kimberly Cribbs, of Far Rockaway.

Though rumors circulated among the shoppers that someone had been badly injured, people ignored the Walmart workers' requests that they stop shopping, move to the front of the store and exit, Cribbs said."

This store and many others may be guilty of poor crowd control. These stampedes and deaths occur at sporting events and other places with crowds are not adequately prepared for.

It might be that a tragedy caused by poor decisionmaking of shoppers and store management does not need to be considered a referendum to bash Americans, capitalism, and Christianity. Shameful behavior of a few does not transfer onto the other 300 million+. We are all fallible human beings. One does hope that retailers will learn to roll out their sales in a fashion that ensures the safety of everyone involved.

[BananaBoat @ Nov 28th 2008 6:50PM]

So he literally got crushed under the door after it went off of its hinges, and then he suffocated to death? Wow.....just wow.... I hope the people at the front of the line are truly ashamed, or the people that were pushing (I can't imagine people could push from the back and take a door off of the hinges....it had to be the people at the front)

As for this being "American" consumerism, think again. This is global consumerism, exacerbated by companies with ridiculous business models that depend on one day to get them into the black for the year (If they had a black friday in Canada, Germany, France, or Japan, you know that this kind of crap would happen). When a business can't stay in the black from the day to day sales...there is something wrong. Not that the people camped out in the cold to save a few bucks on a shitty TV aren't just as much to blame as the store. I would say the store is more to blame for advertising ridiculous prices on items they won't have in stock five minutes past the opening. That only creates an atmosphere of competition where it is you against everyone else in line. It's no surprise that idiots would push and shove and blow the damn door down.

I hope the deceased has family, and that they get a gigantic sum out of Wal-Mart for their negligence. Not that any amount of money could ever make up for the loss....

[Ed @ Nov 29th 2008 9:09AM]

@redringofdeath

You're exactly right. This is not about consumerism or America. This is just "normal" human behaviour.

Before the rest of you get started, shit LIKE this was happening all over for thousand's of years. It is why the Coliseum was designed the way it is. The Romans were smart enough to figure out that to keep people safe and get people in and out quickly they designed the whole place to fill up and empty in just minutes. That design lives on to this day in just about every modern stadium, although to a lesser degree.

This is also why hundreds and thousands of people die each year being trampled to death during their pilgrimages for Islam. Try reading about that. It happens in India too, so it's not an "Islamic" thing.

There have been great tragedies in this country where people have died trying to escape fires. Most of the smart fire codes in NY, and other cities have come about after horrific tragedies and great loss of life.

In other words, this is Mob Mentality. Nobody at the back pushing wanted someone to die. Nobody started out that morning as an "American" saying I am going to buy some shit cheap today even it KILLS somebody.

Now the douche-bags that refused to leave after hearing somebody died in the building are just assholes. I bet what the article does not mention is that most people that knew, did leave. I would be surprised otherwise. The assholes are just representative of the probability that in 2,000 people there are going to be at least 50 intractable assholes, 150 douche-bags, and a smattering of buttheads, jerks, and bitches.

So I agree with you (redringofdeath), the holier than though assholes need to shut up and start saying something intelligent or compassionate for the family instead of taking the opportunity to bash Americans, Consumerism, Capitalism, in whatever ways their ideology demands them too.

[Mark L @ Nov 29th 2008 1:18AM]

This is the worst that capitalism has to offer? A guy trampled by his fellow humans says nothing about capitalism. In socialism he would be trampled while people were lining up for bread.

[Cassini @ Nov 29th 2008 2:37AM]

My views may be bold, but I feel motivated to speak them, anyway, when I say that these people who trample others - trample them to death - are a bunch of freaking idiots. Their lives are completely worthless.

They value nothing - not even the very life God has given - they only care about themselves and the crap they lust after which will only break and die a short time after they've bought it.

I realize these people are broken inside, which is why they behave like they do - so although I'm always disgusted and ANGRY at their behavior, I feel sad for them, too, because they're lost and irreverent and often times don't know it or don't care. They're completely dead inside. It's a sad (and pathetic) state of affairs.

It's alright to shop, but people need to wake up and see that "things" and "crap" and "stuff" will NEVER fill the emptiness they have inside. But they medicate with materialism thinking they'll be satisfied. And they never are. You can't medicate with products, alcohol, drugs, activities, relationships, whatever. Does NOT work. I have no desire to get into some stupid fight with a fool who only wants to circular argue for the sake of arguing, but in my experience, only Jesus Christ provides people with the healing, purpose, and contentment they truly need in life. And I'm not talking about religion.

This death is the perfect example of why Black Friday needs to be banned altogether, all across the country. It's an appropriate yet sickening name for a day like this. A black day, indeed.

Until people can stop behaving like stupid, senseless animals and control themselves, Black Friday should NOT be allowed. Period. Life is more important than a couple of bucks and a bunch of meaningless crap.

[Knives_Out @ Nov 29th 2008 8:55AM]

Video showed as many as a dozen people knocked to the floor in the stampede of people trying to get into the Wal-Mart store, Fleming said.

The employee was "stepped on by hundreds of people" as other workers attempted to fight their way through the crowd, Fleming said.

"Several minutes" passed before others were able to clear space around the man and attempt to render aid. Police arrived, and "as they were giving first aid, those police officers were also jostled and pushed," he said.
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"Shoppers ... were on a full-out run into the store," he said.

The crowd had begun forming outside the store by 9 p.m. Thursday, Fleming said. By 5 a.m. Friday, when the doors were unlocked, there were 2,000 or so shoppers, many of whom "surged forward," breaking the doors, he said.

[Dan @ Nov 29th 2008 2:10PM]

this makes me sick

[Hurf Durf @ Nov 29th 2008 2:08PM]

You want even more legislation? The Government is so bad, people don't even know what it's supposed to do anymore. Can you imagine the uproar if the Government told retailers they weren't allowed to sell on the day after Thanksgiving?

[Tankyu @ Nov 30th 2008 5:03AM]

@Cassini

"It's alright to shop, but people need to wake up and see that "things" and "crap" and "stuff" will NEVER fill the emptiness they have inside."

A gadget blog probably isn't the right place to post that, but I agree to some extent. Having a daughter with the woman I love filled that emptiness for me.

[Cassini @ Dec 1st 2008 2:39PM]

@Tankyu

You're free to have your opinion, naturally, but I disagree with you because what I wrote is the truth (and gadget blog or not - it's not going to prevent me from writing about what is very real and true when appropriate); besides, we're not discussing gadgets in this particular thread - we're discussing the inexcusable behavior of people who care more about "things" and "crap" and "stuff", than human life. So why on earth shouldn't I address that behavior? Am I the only here who is? And if we're going to preserve one of two things, which should we preserve?... Truth, or the emotions of those who think empty materialism is the answer to life?

If killing someone to save a few bucks isn't extreme enough to warrant the courage to speak out what is true, then what would warrant it? I mean, I enjoy technology, too, and wouldn't be here if I didn't, but my priorities are in order... if people are offended at what you quoted me saying, then either they're fearful and deluded and not being honest with themselves, or they simply have not learned what life is about (because it's not about buying "stuff"). Either way, God help them. People should be supported, not criticized, for having the courage to speak truth.

[Cassini @ Dec 1st 2008 2:44PM]

@Tankyu

I forgot to add, I didn't mean to come across argumentative with you... just addressing your comment about posting in a gadget blog.

These types of horrific events fire me up, ya know?

[eggothewaffle @ Nov 28th 2008 1:09PM]

Holy shit; that really sucks :(

[KD in KC @ Nov 28th 2008 2:11PM]

Holy Shit is right! This is what's wrong with our country today. "Don't worry, daddy's going to be there bright and early to get that Elmo for you little one, because we know, nothing celebrates the birth of our lorde and savior like behaving like I don't care about my fellow man, just getting the toy you want, that you'll throw out by next Christmas!"

I love how professed christians will throw all that 'goodwill towards men' "stuff" out the window when it comes to saving the almightly dollar, or in some people's case to charge the almighty dollar on a credit card.

May the ghosts of Christmas visit EVERYONE that acts that way this year.

[TwhiT @ Nov 28th 2008 2:46PM]

at KD in KC:

HUH?? You sure do spew a whole lot of horse shit with your comment.

These people are probably the kind of people who don't even go to church in the first place, yet you use this story to push your "this is what's wrong with America..." speech

You obviously have issues that go farther and deeper than your supposed empathy for this victim, of which you have none or in the very least, you show none for.

If you wanna bash on people fine, but do it the right way and bash the people who deserve it, the crazy crackheads on long island who would just assume step on or over you than to help pick you up.

and where do you come up with crap like "professed christians" when crazy shoppers have nothing to do with jesus? I mean come oooon...... you're stretching it there bud....

[waterwagen @ Nov 28th 2008 3:43PM]

KD in KC: What the heck does this have to do with Christians? Apparently you've got a problem with them and want to use this as your soapbox? Ridiculous.

[KD in KC @ Nov 28th 2008 5:09PM]

Oh My my apologies to all for going after Christians, I'm sure NONE of the people in line where there (who trampled someone), to buy things to be passed out on Dec. 25. My Bad!

BTW - I don't have a problem with Christians, I am one, if you read my point, it's the duality of people who say they believe in the book and what the man taught and choose to do something else when it comes to their wants, needs or desires. Black Friday shoppers I feel the most part fit in the 'wants or desires' category.

As having been a person who's lost someone on Christmas day as I did when I was 8 years old, I already said my prayer for the repose of the soul who died doing their job, and that the loss their family is going to feel this Christmas. Last time I checked not all Christians are bad, and I didn't say that, but it certainly appears you took it that way, so this is my chance to explain.

If you don't think any of those people at the front of the line were there for Christmas presents, I have some wool to give you free of charge to pull over your eyes. BTW- make sure to comment on anyone saying those people sucked, or retards, or worse, to be consistent.

[KiraXD @ Nov 28th 2008 5:34PM]

uh KD, i have news for you... Christians arent the only people who celebrate Xmas (notice i took out christs name and added an X)

so the fact that probably 99% of the people there were shopping for xmas gifts... doesnt automatically make them hypocritical christians. in fact 99% of the people there were probably on welfare and dont even know the TRUE meaning of CHRISTMAS.

[SKI @ Nov 28th 2008 7:55PM]

Wait, poor people don't know the true meaning of Christmas?

[fozzy83 @ Nov 28th 2008 8:43PM]

They don't know the true meaning of xmas because they can't afford a bible ^_^

[Brent @ Nov 28th 2008 1:09PM]

Makes me wanna puke.

[Drew Green @ Nov 28th 2008 1:52PM]

I wanna know what deal was worth taking another human's life to get.

[broli @ Nov 28th 2008 2:48PM]

Look at the cause not the result. Corporate giants who see people or "consumers" as figures on a chart would care less about this incident. They'd probably even have the nerve of giving the family life long gift cards.

[Ken J @ Nov 28th 2008 4:34PM]

"I wanna know what deal was worth taking another human's life to get."

$1.80 a gallon gas for a couple thousand soldiers' lives

[germans do it better @ Nov 29th 2008 3:22PM]

@ Ken J

i get what you were trying to say... we're appalled at this but no one seems to mind that our troops are dying so long as we have our cheap gas.

right on the money

[marky-b @ Nov 29th 2008 6:28PM]

its $1.55 a gallon here.

[Phaseon @ Nov 28th 2008 1:10PM]

My condolences to his family..

Man,that must really suck.

Being trampled to death and all.

[joe @ Nov 28th 2008 2:23PM]

very very sad story. not that the person got trampled, but that they work at walmart.

[Timothy @ Nov 29th 2008 11:03AM]

I work at Wal-Mart, I didnt have to work on Black Friday morning, but I had to work the night before.
And this one fat ass bitch got pissed at me when I told her the sale started at 5 AM, she told me "The paper says Friday sale, so it obviously starts at midnight".

I'm like "Well, actually, everything will start being sold at 5 AM because..." she cut me off and says "ACTUALLY, The paper SAYS Friday, so it goes on sale at MIDNIGHT", I just told her, "OK", and watched her stupid ass wait. Once 12 came, I was leaving, and heard her talking to the manager about how it was false advertising bullshit or something, the funniest thing, she called 1-800-Wal-Mart on us.

Fat ass bitch.

[Spanky @ Nov 28th 2008 1:10PM]

2 lives lost, one an unborn child! Human greed knows no bounds :'(

[booticon @ Nov 28th 2008 1:12PM]

It says right in the article that the police claim the woman didn't miscarry.

[Norcross @ Nov 28th 2008 1:12PM]

Wow. That's beyond sickening. Next step is to have armed guards at the doors

[EricC @ Nov 28th 2008 3:58PM]

Amen to that. If there's one sound Wal-Mart shoppers will likely know very well it's the sound of a round being chambered in a shotgun. That would have stopped them all in their tracks.

Such a tragedy =(

[DK @ Nov 28th 2008 7:01PM]

That's what should be done for sure

[LiQuiD_FuSioN @ Nov 28th 2008 1:13PM]

That's really pathetic for people to get so wound up over material items. Just staying in line for a $25 gift card one time made me feel like an animal, pumping up my adrenaline over nothing.

If I was a worker there at Wal-Mart and the crowd was growing dangerously restless, I'd probably call law enforcement for assistance. These days you can't mess around with people. Especially Wal-Mart shoppers..

[Bill @ Nov 28th 2008 1:14PM]

Review the security cameras and get those folks who were first in line at the door - charge them with murder. Come on now this isn't too much to ask these days

[Alan Strangis @ Nov 28th 2008 1:39PM]

I agree, but WalMart should be held accountable as well. They clearly weren't prepared for a huge crowd, and should have enforced an orderly line well before hand. There was a sign up on their wall that said "Blitz Line Starts Here"

http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2008/11/29/gal_walmart_stampede_08.jpg

[AVG @ Nov 28th 2008 1:50PM]

People taking the doors OFF THE FUCKIN' HINGES and trampling the shit out of someone is NOT WAL-MART'S FAULT. Seriously, this is definitely not the time to blame the store. Blame the psychotic asswipes who wanted to save $20 on an MP3 player and decided it would be a better idea to destroy the company's property and then trample someone to death rather than wait a little while longer.

Get these lunatics in jail, so what has to be done, but don't try to say that a store should take responsibility for what is essentially a gang of sick, cheap vandals.

[steven @ Nov 28th 2008 1:55PM]

Bunch of fucking animals. This is NOT Wal-Mart's fault at all.

[Temple @ Nov 28th 2008 1:56PM]

According to news reports the cause of death was a heart attack 3mins after the doors opened. They are trying to find out if the rush was a cause of death or not, and if to press charges.