Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Autopsy: Wal-Mart Worker Was "Trampled to Death"
By
Jen Chung
Published Dec 1, 2008
Modified Dec 1, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Chung
Published Dec 1, 2008
Modified Dec 1, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NYPD searching for suspect after fatal stabbing in Queens
Officers responding to a call at the intersection of Jamaica Avenue and 173rd Street around 1 a.m. found 29-year-old Sulimon Ferrier, who had multiple stab wounds to his chest, police said.
By
Ben Feuerherd
Published Oct 3, 2026 at 4:38 p.m. ET
NYPD: 2 suspects in off-duty officer stabbing tried to rob victim
It’s unclear if the attackers knew the victim was NYPD.
By
Jill Webb
News
NYPD: 2 suspects in off-duty officer stabbing tried to rob victim
It’s unclear if the attackers knew the victim was NYPD.
By
Jill Webb
Astoria-born Chip City announces sudden closure days after former CEO sues
By
Catalina Gonella
US judge tosses Trump lawsuit targeting pro-Palestinian protesters in NJ
By
Willow Higgins
A big, bright Saturn will be the highlight of NYC's fall stargazing season
By
Rosemary Misdary
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .