A shocking incident unfolded at a Portland liquor store when a heartless thief exploited a medical emergency to rob the establishment while an employee lay dying from a heart attack.
Disturbing events during medical crisis
On October 25, 53-year-old Jason Hay suffered a fatal cardiac arrest while working at Bins and Barrels Liquor Store in Portland, Oregon. Surveillance footage captured the horrifying moment when an unidentified suspect pretended to offer assistance to the collapsing man, only to use the opportunity to steal approximately $800 from the premises.
Store manager Michelle Maurer described the suspect's actions as particularly calculating. "He came in and acted like he was trying to help, even took Jason's pulse when it was obvious he was patting Jason down to find his wallet," Maurer told reporters. "I find these actions disgusting - to take advantage of somebody who's lying on the floor dying for your own personal greed."
Theft during tragedy
While other customers genuinely rushed to help Hay, the suspect, wearing a black jacket and red hoodie, was captured on camera leaning over the victim before fleeing into the store's back office. Footage shows him rummaging through drawers and searching shelves while holding a backpack, eventually stuffing items into his trousers.
Maurer explained that an employee had asked the suspect to help locate Hay's bag before paramedics arrived, but instead the man began "looking for anything he could sell." The thief found the manager's laptop bag and discovered an open change safe, grabbing bank bags which he concealed in his clothing.
Employees initially stopped the suspect from leaving with the laptop bag, mistakenly thinking he had confused it with Hay's personal belongings. It wasn't until the following day that Maurer discovered the missing bank bags and reviewed security footage to understand what had occurred during the medical emergency.
Community mourns beloved father
Jason Hay was transported to a local hospital following the incident but was pronounced dead a week later. The 53-year-old father-of-one was described as a fixture in the southeast Portland community, known for his friendly nature and efforts to learn every customer's name.
His sister, Jessica Jones, revealed the particularly heartbreaking aspect of the crime: "That's the heartbreaking part is it was somebody that he knew, somebody he trusted," she said, describing her brother as "a light in this community."
Friends, family and colleagues gathered for a vigil to remember Hay, where fellow employees recalled his habit of making personal connections with every customer. His wife, Melissa, shared that grocery shopping trips could take hours because Hay would stop to greet everyone he encountered.
Hay's teenage son, Ashten, spoke emotionally about his father: "I'm sad to say goodbye to him. But I'm happy that everyone here came and this is just a reminder of everything that he's done."
Investigation continues as community supports family
Portland police are continuing their investigation into the theft and have asked anyone who recognises the suspect from surveillance footage to contact authorities. The suspect remains at large.
Meanwhile, the community has rallied around Hay's family through an online fundraiser. As the sole provider for his household, Hay's death has left his widow and son facing financial uncertainty. The GoFundMe campaign describes Hay as "truly one of those rare lights in the dark - a kind, strong and caring soul who touched so many lives."
By Monday evening, the fundraiser had gathered more than $3,700 in donations to support the family during what organisers called "this unimaginable loss."
