A Home Depot worker in North Carolina has sadly died after being pushed by a shoplifter he was attempting to confront.
Gary Rasor, 83, was captured on surveillance footage attempting to stop the man who was fleeing the store with three pressure washers in a shopping cart on October 18, per the New York Post.
The shoplifter appeared to forcefully shove Rasor away, resulting in the then 82-year-old crashing into a sign, with his head appearing to hit a plant pot.
The brave Home Depot worker was then rushed to a North Carolina hospital, where he made plans to see his new grandchild for the first time, as well as celebrated his 83rd birthday, his wife told CBS.
Tragically, Hillsborough Police have announced that Rasor passed away due to complications from his injuries on Thursday, December 1.
The police went on to say that the North Carolina medical examiner has ruled the death a homicide, and the perpetrator has yet to be found.
The report details the wanted man: "The suspect, a black man about 6 feet tall, fled the scene in a white, four-door, Hyundai Sonata with an obscured North Carolina temporary tag."
Rasor's son, Jeff Rasor, also said to CBS: "It’s just beyond our comprehension that someone would do this for a couple of power washers. That is just mind-boggling."
His wife had spoken to the outlet before he sadly died, saying that her husband remained upbeat, however, he became angry once he saw footage of the attack.
"It’s just hard, and I know it sounds silly, but I’m still waiting for him to come back home," she said. "I can’t get him back … that’s it."
As reported by the Daily Mail, the 83-year-old had worked at the store for nine years and had plans to retire and do some traveling. He was left unable to walk and suffered a mild heart attack after the incident.
His widow, Yovone Rasor, said that the couple had bought plane tickets with the intent to see more family around the holiday season after he had recovered from his injuries.
Police are appealing for anybody with any information about the attacker and his whereabouts to come forward.
Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time.
