Who was Yowhannes Tewelde? San Francisco store clerk attacked by robber dies after 5 days in coma
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA: Yowhannes ‘John’ Tewelde, the brave store clerk who was assaulted while trying to stop robbers from stealing beers, succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday, August 29.
Tewelde, 60, was working at the Richmond Market on Balboa Street in San Francisco on Thursday, August 24. He tried to deter a robber from stealing goods from the store but was beaten into a coma in retaliation.
The store owner said that the thief stole water from the store first and came back 10 minutes later to steal beer, reports Daily Mail. Tewelde was guarding the store armed with a baseball bat.
However, the plan backfired and the thief, who is still at large, hit him mercilessly in the head. Tewelde underwent two surgeries after the attack but did not regain consciousness.
Yowhannes Tewelde became a US citizen eight weeks before fatal assault
The brave store clerk had gained American citizenship just eight weeks ago, per Fox.
In the GoFundMe page dedicated to him, his colleagues and friends described Tewelde as “a loving father, husband and owner of a sweet “store” cat Nancy.”
They added, “He worked 7 days a week and always shared his warm smile with customers.”
The latest update said, “Yohannes "John" Tewolde passed away in the SF General Hospital ICU today at 1:58pm. John was a beloved member of the community and even more loved by his family and friends.”
Drew Min wrote on behalf of Tewelde’s family, “The family has asked me to relay their gratitude for your continued support and asks that your prayers go out for John and his family.”
A Vigil will be organized in Tewlde’s memory, he added.
“In memory of John, several of us neighbors have decided to organize a Vigil in his memory on Thursday (8/31) at 9pm, a week since the incident. It will be held in front of the Richmond Market on the corner of 41st Avenue and Balboa Street,” the post said.
Yowhannes Tewelde underwent heart surgery in March
Tewelde’s family members shared with Fox that he underwent heart surgery in March. His daughter Meron Tewelde revealed, “Right after his heart surgery, he didn't wait to go back to work because he wanted to be there. There's something about that community he loves. He loves everyone there.”
After his initial injury, his wife told Fox, “This is very hard. We feel bad. We're in pain.”