‘He Knew Everyone’s Name’: Beloved Portland Clerk Dies After Thief Robs Store During Medical Emergency

PORTLAND, OREGON — A tight-knit Portland community is grieving after a beloved liquor store clerk suffered a fatal heart attack while a man pretending to help him instead stole $800 from the store. The victim, 53-year-old Jason Hay, collapsed at work and later died in the hospital, leaving behind a devastated family, coworkers, and customers who say he “made an effort to know every single person’s name.”

Clerk Suffers Heart Attack as Thief Pretends to Be a Good Samaritan

The incident happened around 6:15 p.m. on Oct. 25 at Bins & Barrels, a neighborhood liquor store where Hay had worked for the past year. According to the Portland Police Bureau, Hay collapsed behind the counter during a medical emergency.

As customers rushed in to help, one man entered the store and acted as if he was checking Hay’s pulse — but video shows he was actually searching Hay’s pockets and reaching for his wallet.

Bins & Barrels manager Michelle Maurer said the moment was as cruel as it was calculated.

“He 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.

The suspect then slipped into the store office and grabbed the open change safe, stealing approximately $800 in bank bags before fleeing.

Surveillance Video Shows Suspect Stealing Cash as Others Try to Save Hay

While frantic customers tried CPR and waited for paramedics, surveillance video captured the suspect walking into the back office and stuffing the bank bags down the front of his pants.

Maurer told local news that the thief used the chaos to his advantage:

“He discovered that our change safe was open
and grabbed the bank bags.
He shoved them down the front of his pants.”

Police say this appears to be a crime of opportunity, not part of a larger pattern of robberies.

Hay was transported to the hospital, where he died approximately one week later.

Community Devastated by Loss of Clerk Known for His Kindness

Hay was described as the heart of the store — a friendly clerk who greeted everyone warmly and knew the names of regulars. Co-workers said he brought joy to the store’s atmosphere and treated every customer like family.

At a vigil held Monday, one employee reflected on his impact:

“He made an effort to know every single person’s name
who walked through that door.”

His sister, Jessica Jones, told attendees that Hay likely recognized the thief.

“That’s the heartbreaking part — it was somebody he knew,
somebody he trusted,”
she said.

Hay leaves behind a wife and a 15-year-old son. A GoFundMe has been launched to support his family, as Hay was the household’s sole provider.

Police Searching for Suspect Who Fled the Store

Investigators believe the man acted alone and are actively searching for him. Authorities released still images from surveillance footage showing the thief wearing a red hooded sweatshirt during the incident.

Police ask anyone with information to contact investigators and reference case number 25-259043.

Officers emphasize that multiple customers tried to help save Hay’s life and were devastated to learn someone exploited the moment for personal gain.

As Portland police continue their search for the suspect, the community is focusing on honoring Hay’s legacy of kindness and connection. For more updates on local tragedies, community stories, and breaking news, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.