The family of a Manhattan grocery store clerk who suffered an apparent heart attack and died after a clash with a shoplifter trying to steal a six-pack of beer said the hardworking husband deserved better.
Inventory control wasn’t even part of Leobardo Hernandez’ job at the Morton Williams grocery store in Hell’s Kitchen. But when a thief tried to take off with a six-pack of Heineken Friday night, Hernandez sprung into action — and relatives said it may have cost him his life.
“For some reason security wasn’t around so my father stepped up,” said Hernandez’ son, Henry Hernandez, 31. “He was trying to prevent the theft. There was a struggle with a lot of shoving and swinging going on.”
Henry said the scuffle might have been too much for his 64-year-old father, who was already dealing with diabetes. After the clash, Hernandez told his boss he was not feeling well.
“She told him to go in the back and rest,” the son said. “The manager found him sweating, lying on top of crates. He wasn’t really responding so she called an ambulance.”
After being transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, Hernandez died from an apparent heart attack later that night. He lived in Inwood.
The city Medical Examiner will conduct an autopsy to determine his cause and manner of death.
Store workers said the would-be thief dropped the beer and fled. He has not been caught.
Cops are investigating to see if there is any security footage that could provide some clues, authorities said.
“Our frustration right now is getting clarity,” said another of Hernandez’s sons, Harold, 23. “We want to see the footage. It was all caught on video, We want to know what was up with security. My father was a store clerk, not a security guard,”
Morton’s owner and CEO Steven Sloan said Hernandez’ death hit workers hard.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of Leobardo Hernandez, our beloved colleague and a treasured member of our Morton Williams family,” he said. “He was a dedicated team member for more than 10 years, and our prayers are with Leo’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
The family has launched a GoFundMe to pay for funeral arrangements. Hernandez, who came to the U.S. from Gurerro, Mexico, more than a decade ago, will be buried in his native country, the sons said.
“His passing has left a hole in our lives that can never be filled,” Harold wrote on the GoFundMe.
The sons said Hernandez worked two jobs. When he wasn’t at the Morton Williams on Ninth Ave. near W. 58th St., he was making deliveries for another grocery store.
“He was a great man,” Harold said. “He was our main guy. He lifted everything up for us.”
