Manhattan Grocery Store Worker Dies After Confronting Shoplifter

Tragic Incident at Morton Williams

• 💔 A 64-year-old Morton Williams grocery store worker, Leoardo Hernandez Solless, has died following an incident on Friday night.
• 🎯 Solless was attempting to stop a suspected shoplifter when he was allegedly punched in the chest by the suspect.
• 🏥 He was later found lying on a milk crate at work and was pronounced dead at Mount Sinai West hospital.

Family Remembers a Beloved Man

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Solless's sons describe him as a family man, always supportive, happy, and never seen upset.
• ✊ They state that he was not a large man, but he always stood up for what's right, and this was not the first time he had confronted a shoplifter.
• ❓ The family is left searching for answers and trying to understand the truth behind the incident.

Investigation and Store Response

• 🩺 An autopsy revealed signs of prior heart issues, but detectives are investigating if the stress from the incident was a contributing factor to his death.
• 🚨 Police are not ruling out that the case could turn into a homicide investigation, and no arrests have been made.
• 💬 A spokesperson for Morton Williams expressed heartbreak over the loss of their dedicated colleague and offered prayers to his family.

Legacy and Final Thoughts

• 😥 Solless leaves behind three sons and a daughter, having recently picked up a second shift at work.
• 🙏 His youngest son recalled his father's pride when he decided to serve his country.
• 💬 In his final moments, his family believes he would offer words of comfort, saying, "Everything's going to be fine, bro. Things are going to get better."