[Anyone] should have stayed home:

[totem at laplaza.org]

Wal-Mart Worker Dies After Shoppers Knock Him Down
By COLLEEN LONG
The Associated Press
Friday, November 28, 2008; 11:37 AM

NEW YORK -- A worker died after being trampled by a throng of unruly shoppers when a suburban 
Wal-Mart opened for the holiday sales rush Friday, authorities said.

At least three other people were injured.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc., in Bentonville, Ark., would not confirm the reports of a stampede but said a 
"medical emergency" had caused the company to close the store, which is in Valley Stream on Long 
Island.

Nassau County police said the 34-year-old worker was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced 
dead at about 6 a.m., an hour after the store opened. The cause of death was not immediately 
known.

A police statement said shortly after 5 a.m., a throng of shoppers "physically broke down the doors, 
knocking (the worker) to the ground." Police also said a 28-year-old pregnant woman was taken to a 
hospital for observation and three other shoppers suffered minor injuries and were also taken to 
hospitals.

The dead worker's name was not released.

"Local authorities are looking into the situation," said Wal-Mart representative Dan Fogleman. But he 
said it would be "inappropriate for me to share any additional information" until authorities 
investigate further.

Shoppers around the country lined up early outside stores in the annual bargain hunting ritual 
known as Black Friday. Many stores open early and stay open late. The Valley Stream Wal-Mart 
usually opens at 9 a.m.