A devoted mother, business owner, and member of the community lost her life confronting shoplifters in her beauty supply store. Ilson Miriam Kim, a 64-year-old entrepreneur and mother of two, died on December 6 in Jacksonville, Florida, following a tragic incident that underlines the increasing perils of retail theft. Tragic Incident Unfolds in Jacksonville
On that fateful evening, Kim was working in Beauty Max, her beauty supply store, when two suspects entered the store. According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, one of the suspects grabbed some items and fled the store. Kim tried to subdue them, and with that, the event unfolded into a fatality situation.
While one of the suspects fled on foot, the other one succeeded in escaping in a waiting car. In her courageous act of trying to thwart the shoplifters, Kim was hit by the vehicle and seriously injured. The emergency responders quickly took her to the hospital, where she later succumbed to the injuries. The investigation is ongoing, but as of this writing, no arrest has been made.
Community Mourns a Beloved Figure
Tributes from Kim’s family and community members continue to flow in, with many speaking out in grief and admiration for the businesswoman. A GoFundMe campaign launched to cover funeral expenses described her as a proud mother, wife, and mentor.
Immigrating from Uijeongbu, South Korea, in 1986, Kim had worked hard to get her family ahead. She opened Beauty Max three years ago as a fulfillment of the dream to have her business. Known for her hard drive and determination, Kim wasn’t afraid of personal evolution: she took up swimming and Zumba well into her 60s.
She instilled in her daughters the values of hard work, empathy, and love,” the GoFundMe said, adding that Kim was a pillar of her local community.
Rising Concerns Over Retail Theft
The tragic death of Ilson Miriam Kim points out the increasing dangers facing small business owners amid a surge in retail theft. Local business owners said shoplifting is a problem throughout the shopping plaza where Kim’s store was located.
One consumer highlighted that the company should use more trained staff to avoid altercations, particularly in very congested areas. The incident really served as an eye-opener on the potential dangers involved in trying to intervene in risky situations.
As the investigation unfolds, Kim’s story is a testament to her bravery, resilience, and devotion to family and community. Her loss is not only a void to her family and loved ones but also to the many lives she had touched through her acts of kindness and entrepreneurial spirit.
