The tragic story of Jdimytai Damour, a Wal-Mart worker originally from Jamaica, will stay with you forever.
It has been all over the news. Damour was trampled to death while shielding a pregnant shopper from a Black Friday stampede at a Wal-Mart in Valley Stream, NY. When we heard the news about Jdimytai, we were utterly shocked. Even today, we can't believe Wal-Mart let this happen.
At Jdimytai's Wal-Mart, lack of preparation and aggressive marketing turned Black Friday into a crowd-control nightmare. Early that morning, a throng of 2,000 shoppers swarmed at the store's front entrance. They grew agitated. Though Jdimytai Damour was given no crowd control training, though he had no security experience whatsoever, management put him in front of the surging crowd of shoppers just before the doors opened. Not long after, he was pronounced dead.
The Damour family lost a son. We could never hope to fill that void in their lives, but we can help them fight for justice in the courts and for change at Wal-Mart. We are dedicating this year's Holiday Worker Fund to the Damour family's legal expenses, but it's still not enough. YOU can change that.
The Damour family deserves justice: help us reach our goal of 150 new donations before the New Year
Several people were injured in that early morning crush, but none fared worse than Jdimytai. Now, the only support for the Damours will come from family and activists like you. They are relying on us.
Donating helps, but it isn't everything. The Damour family also needs your moral support. You can use our website to send the Damours some words of encouragement and consolation. It will take only a few seconds (longer if you like) to help Jdimytai's family take heart in the coming New Year.
Please show your support for the Damour family by writing a few words of encouragement.
The tragedy in Valley Stream demands change. Show your support for the Damour family and let Wal-Mart know America won't stand for irresponsible retailing.
It's time for Wal-Mart to put safety before sales.
Thank you for all that you do, and happy holidays and a safe New Year to you and your loved ones.
The Team,
WakeUpWalMart.com
Posted by Taylor - December 19, 2008 01:11 PM
Let me start this comment by saying how sorry I am fro the friends and family of Mr. Damour. I truly believe that they deserve justice for there friend and son, but I believe that all of the blame should be placed on walmart. There are 2000 people that trampled him to death and no advertisement should make people forget right from wrong. The people that did the trampling should be held at fault too, considering they felt no remorse as in they were upset for the store closing due to the tragic occurrence. I just believe something should be said about them. Once again I wish to send my condolences to the family and friends.
Posted by nick - December 19, 2008 08:26 PM
Why doesn't the DA in New York bring crim inal charges against Wal-Mart? The way I see it, if they provided no training for crowd control and sent him in front of that crowd, then would it not make sense to assume that they might be intentionally putting someone in harms way. I think that shows negligence at the very least. Someone should be held criminally liable.
Posted by mark pierce - December 19, 2008 09:20 PM
Except that he did not work for wal-mart and he was hired from an OUTSIDE SECURITY FIRM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was a very tragic accident nobody could say that it wasn't, but why not go after the people that ran over the top of him?
Posted by bob - December 20, 2008 06:54 AM
Jdimytai's death, while tragic, isn't Wal Mart's fault. People have no concept of the true meaning of Christmas. Peace and love are lost in todays society. We go on quests for the cheapest gifts and put own our children in danger of lead poisoning. Don't forget to test your toys. We, consumers are the last line of defense between our kids and contamination.
Posted by Doug - December 22, 2008 08:45 AM
Its about time walmart wokers join a union.
The fact remains that the store managers did nothing to ensure security was taken seriously during black fruday
Posted by gwendolyn lindsay-jacksonesq. - December 27, 2008 09:20 AM
It's hard to believe that human beings can act the way that they do. It seems that all anyone cares about is money and material things. We live in a world full of Scrooge's. The management team of Wal-Mart seems only to care about how much money they make. Their CEO is retiring in Feb. and I believe its because he is worried about how the Democrats are going to come after Wal-Mart and its policies. Its disgusting how the work force of America is treated and I am talking about the millions of people who make very little money so the people at the top can make millions. These companies need to wake up and realize without the workforce there would be no millions. Its time for our government to take a stand and say no more. Our ordinary citizens need to make enough money to survive beyond pay check to pay check. Please write or call your politicians and demand they do something to stop the corporate greed that has taken over our country to the point that most of the population is suffering. I am not for socialism but I am not for a few making all the money while those who make it for them go hungry. Wal-Mart should be held responsible for this man's death. Why didn't a manager open those doors?
Posted by Outraged - December 31, 2008 04:30 PM
I work in the Asset Protection field for Wal Mart and 2 years ago we used to have Off duty police at the doors on Black friday. WalMart figured it was cheaper to just use asset protection and have door greeters wear name badges that say security so it looks like people are safe. WalMart dont care about customers only money...
Posted by Geo - January 8, 2009 02:50 PM