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Autopsy: Wal-Mart Worker Was "Trampled to Death"
By
Jen Chung
Published Dec 1, 2008
Modified Dec 1, 2008
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By
Jen Chung
Published Dec 1, 2008
Modified Dec 1, 2008
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An autopsy into the Black Friday death of an employee at Long Island Wal-Mart revealed that he was trampled to death. Newsday reports that Nassau County Police Commissioner Lawrence Mulvey said the finding showed Jdimyati Damour of Queens died of "positional asphyxiation."
An unruly, restless crowd of customers broke down the Valley Stream's store's doors and knocked the 34-year-old down in a stampede. Two people injured in the stampede have filed a $2 million notice of claim against Nassau County and the police (but not Wal-Mart?), citing, "injuries to their neck and back, including but not limited to injuries of emotional harm."
Yesterday, City Councilman James Gennaro introduced a bill to require retailers to provide adequate security for doorbusters sales. According to NY1, he said, "These early morning, middle of the night crushes of shoppers are essentially street activities and they should be regulated. And there should be requirements put forth, which fortunately some retailers already observe and they have security personnel and they have crowd control. But some don't and we have to make sure that in every case that is the case."
Tagged
asphyxiation
black friday death
Black Friday shopping
doorbusters sale
trampled to death
valley stream
wal-Mart
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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