Tedra Coston

Written by Tedra Coston

Modified & Updated: 01 Oct 2024

35-facts-about-black-friday-deaths
Source: Categorypirates.news

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.
Table of Contents

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.

  1. 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.

  2. In 2011, a woman used pepper spray on fellow shoppers to get an advantage in a Los Angeles Walmart, causing injuries and chaos.

  3. 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.

  4. In 2012, two people were shot outside a Walmart in Tallahassee, Florida, during a dispute over a parking space.

  5. A 34-year-old man was trampled to death in a South African mall in 2014 during a Black Friday sale.

  6. In 2016, a man was shot and killed in a New Jersey Macy's parking lot during a robbery attempt.

  7. A 20-year-old man was fatally shot in a Nevada Walmart parking lot in 2013 after an argument over a parking space.

  8. In 2018, a man was killed in a shooting at a mall in Alabama during Black Friday shopping.

  9. A woman in Texas was trampled and injured in 2011 while trying to grab a discounted Xbox at Walmart.

  10. 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.

  1. In 2010, a woman was trampled at a Target in Buffalo, New York, suffering serious injuries.

  2. A man in California was shot in 2012 during a Black Friday sale at a Sears store.

  3. In 2014, a woman was injured in a stampede at a Walmart in Indiana.

  4. A 22-year-old man was shot and killed in a Georgia Walmart parking lot in 2016.

  5. In 2017, a man was shot in the leg during a Black Friday sale at a Missouri mall.

  6. A woman in Tennessee was trampled and injured in 2011 while trying to grab a discounted TV at Walmart.

  7. In 2013, a man was stabbed in a Virginia Walmart over a dispute about a parking space.

  8. A 19-year-old man was shot and killed in a Nevada Walmart parking lot in 2013 after an argument over a parking space.

  9. In 2018, a man was killed in a shooting at a mall in Alabama during Black Friday shopping.

  10. 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.

  1. In 2012, two people were shot outside a Walmart in Tallahassee, Florida, during a dispute over a parking space.

  2. A 34-year-old man was trampled to death in a South African mall in 2014 during a Black Friday sale.

  3. In 2016, a man was shot and killed in a New Jersey Macy's parking lot during a robbery attempt.

  4. A 20-year-old man was fatally shot in a Nevada Walmart parking lot in 2013 after an argument over a parking space.

  5. In 2018, a man was killed in a shooting at a mall in Alabama during Black Friday shopping.

  6. A woman in Texas was trampled and injured in 2011 while trying to grab a discounted Xbox at Walmart.

  7. In 2013, a man was stabbed in a Virginia Walmart over a dispute about a parking space.

  8. A 19-year-old man was shot and killed in a Nevada Walmart parking lot in 2013 after an argument over a parking space.

  9. In 2018, a man was killed in a shooting at a mall in Alabama during Black Friday shopping.

  10. 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.

  1. In 2014, a 34-year-old man was trampled to death in a South African mall during a Black Friday sale.

  2. A woman in the UK was injured in 2013 during a stampede at an Asda store.

  3. In 2015, a man in Brazil was shot and killed during a Black Friday sale at a local store.

  4. A woman in Canada was trampled and injured in 2016 while trying to grab a discounted TV at Walmart.

  5. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do people call it Black Friday?
Well, you might think it's got a dark history because of the name, but it's actually about accounting. Back in the day, stores would record losses in red ink and profits in black ink. So, when the big sales hit the day after Thanksgiving, shops would often go from being "in the red" to "in the black," hence the name Black Friday.
What's the deal with Black Friday deaths?
It's a bit grim, but over the years, the massive crowds and chaos of Black Friday sales have led to accidents and, unfortunately, fatalities. These incidents range from stampedes to altercations over deals. It's a stark reminder that sometimes, the frenzy for bargains can have serious consequences.
How many people have died from Black Friday shopping?
Over the years, there have been several reported deaths and many injuries related to Black Friday shopping. Each incident is a tragic reminder of the potential dangers when crowds get out of control. For exact numbers, keeping an eye on news reports and safety studies is wise, as they tend to keep a tally.
Can you avoid Black Friday dangers but still score deals?
Absolutely! With the rise of online shopping, snagging those Black Friday deals from the comfort of your home is easier than ever. Many retailers offer the same, if not better, discounts online. So, you can keep safe and still check off everything on your shopping list.
What's the most common cause of Black Friday incidents?
Crowds are the biggest culprit. When too many people try to squeeze into stores or fight over the last discounted TV, things can get dicey. That's why it's crucial for both shoppers and stores to prioritize safety, ensuring everyone can enjoy the deals without risk.
How can stores prevent Black Friday tragedies?
Many stores have taken steps to make Black Friday safer, like offering deals online, extending sale periods to reduce crowds, and implementing better crowd control measures in physical locations. Training staff to handle emergencies and working closely with local authorities also goes a long way in preventing accidents.
What should you do if you're caught in a Black Friday crowd?
First off, try to stay calm. Panicking only makes things worse. Keep a close eye on exits and try to move with the flow of the crowd, not against it. If you see someone in trouble, alert store staff or security. Remember, no deal is worth compromising your safety.

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