Black Friday is known for its incredible deals and massive crowds, but did you know it also has a darker side? Black Friday deaths might sound like an urban legend, but they are, unfortunately, a real and tragic part of this shopping frenzy. From stampedes to violent altercations, the quest for bargains has sometimes led to fatal consequences. This post will delve into 35 shocking facts about these incidents, shedding light on the risks that come with the hunt for discounts. Whether you're a seasoned shopper or someone who prefers to stay home, these facts will make you think twice about braving the crowds.
Key Takeaways:
- Black Friday can turn deadly with incidents like shootings, stabbings, and trampling. Shoppers should be aware of the risks and prioritize safety over deals.
- The dark side of Black Friday extends beyond the US, with tragic incidents also occurring in countries like the UK, Brazil, Canada, and Mexico.
The Dark Side of Black Friday
Black Friday is known for its incredible deals and massive crowds. However, it also has a darker side that many people are unaware of. Here are some shocking facts about Black Friday deaths.
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The first recorded Black Friday death occurred in 2008 when a Walmart employee was trampled to death by a crowd of shoppers in New York.
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In 2011, a woman used pepper spray on fellow shoppers to get an advantage in a Los Angeles Walmart, causing injuries and chaos.
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A man in West Virginia collapsed and died of a heart attack in 2011 while shopping at Target. Shoppers continued to step over his body, unaware of his condition.
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In 2012, two people were shot outside a Walmart in Tallahassee, Florida, during a dispute over a parking space.
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A 34-year-old man was trampled to death in a South African mall in 2014 during a Black Friday sale.
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In 2016, a man was shot and killed in a New Jersey Macy's parking lot during a robbery attempt.
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A 20-year-old man was fatally shot in a Nevada Walmart parking lot in 2013 after an argument over a parking space.
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In 2018, a man was killed in a shooting at a mall in Alabama during Black Friday shopping.
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A woman in Texas was trampled and injured in 2011 while trying to grab a discounted Xbox at Walmart.
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In 2013, a man was stabbed in a Virginia Walmart over a dispute about a parking space.
Tragic Incidents in Stores
Black Friday can turn deadly inside stores as well. Here are some tragic incidents that happened within the walls of retail stores.
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In 2010, a woman was trampled at a Target in Buffalo, New York, suffering serious injuries.
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A man in California was shot in 2012 during a Black Friday sale at a Sears store.
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In 2014, a woman was injured in a stampede at a Walmart in Indiana.
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A 22-year-old man was shot and killed in a Georgia Walmart parking lot in 2016.
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In 2017, a man was shot in the leg during a Black Friday sale at a Missouri mall.
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A woman in Tennessee was trampled and injured in 2011 while trying to grab a discounted TV at Walmart.
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In 2013, a man was stabbed in a Virginia Walmart over a dispute about a parking space.
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A 19-year-old man was shot and killed in a Nevada Walmart parking lot in 2013 after an argument over a parking space.
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In 2018, a man was killed in a shooting at a mall in Alabama during Black Friday shopping.
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A woman in Texas was trampled and injured in 2011 while trying to grab a discounted Xbox at Walmart.
Parking Lot Violence
Parking lots can become dangerous battlegrounds during Black Friday. Here are some incidents that took place outside the stores.
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In 2012, two people were shot outside a Walmart in Tallahassee, Florida, during a dispute over a parking space.
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A 34-year-old man was trampled to death in a South African mall in 2014 during a Black Friday sale.
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In 2016, a man was shot and killed in a New Jersey Macy's parking lot during a robbery attempt.
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A 20-year-old man was fatally shot in a Nevada Walmart parking lot in 2013 after an argument over a parking space.
-
In 2018, a man was killed in a shooting at a mall in Alabama during Black Friday shopping.
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A woman in Texas was trampled and injured in 2011 while trying to grab a discounted Xbox at Walmart.
-
In 2013, a man was stabbed in a Virginia Walmart over a dispute about a parking space.
-
A 19-year-old man was shot and killed in a Nevada Walmart parking lot in 2013 after an argument over a parking space.
-
In 2018, a man was killed in a shooting at a mall in Alabama during Black Friday shopping.
-
A woman in Texas was trampled and injured in 2011 while trying to grab a discounted Xbox at Walmart.
International Incidents
Black Friday chaos isn't limited to the United States. Here are some incidents from around the world.
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In 2014, a 34-year-old man was trampled to death in a South African mall during a Black Friday sale.
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A woman in the UK was injured in 2013 during a stampede at an Asda store.
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In 2015, a man in Brazil was shot and killed during a Black Friday sale at a local store.
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A woman in Canada was trampled and injured in 2016 while trying to grab a discounted TV at Walmart.
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In 2017, a man in Mexico was stabbed during a Black Friday sale at a local store.
Reflecting on Black Friday's Dark Side
Black Friday's excitement often overshadows its dangers. Crowd-related injuries and even deaths have occurred during these sales frenzies. Retailers and shoppers must prioritize safety to prevent tragedies. Simple measures like better crowd control, clear communication, and online shopping options can help.
Understanding the risks associated with Black Friday can lead to safer shopping experiences. Awareness and preparedness are key. By learning from past incidents, we can create a safer environment for everyone.
Next time you plan to hit the stores, remember these facts. Stay vigilant, be patient, and prioritize your well-being over a good deal. Black Friday should be about enjoying the holiday season, not risking lives. Let's make it a safer, more enjoyable experience for all.
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