Last week, an employee dismissed from his job at the Henry Pratt Company in Aurora, Ill. opened fire against several of his co-workers, tragically killing five people. Among the victims was the company’s Human Resources Manager, Clay Parks. The shooter was ultimately killed by police.
Sports card collectors may be familiar with Parks, who operated the popular group breaks website, Sportszilla Breaks, with his wife, Abby. In addition to the site, Sportszilla also operated an eBay store. The company was run by the duo, who were fans of Chicago’s sports teams. A message from Abby has been posted on the company’s Facebook page.
“My husband, my love, my best friend, and the incredible father of our sweet son was taken from us yesterday in the shooting in Aurora, and I am devastated,” she wrote. “Axel and I have been surrounded by friends and family and are appreciative of all of the prayers and support we are receiving.”
An anonymous co-worker that previously worked with Parks also commented on his death in the Chicago Tribune.
“He was nice, kind and funny, the life-of-the-room type of person,” he said. “He was definitely motivated for being a young person. He had an idea of what he wanted to do.
“I’m shocked, very shocked. And angry.”
A Go Fund Me site was established for the college fund of the couple’s son, Axel. As of Tuesday evening, more than $8,500 has been raised.
A graduate of Northern Illinois University, Parks received a degree from the business college in 2014, according to the Tribune. Prior to joining the Henry Pratt Company in November 2018, he worked for American TV and Appliance as well as Caterpillar, Inc.
Parks was 32 years old. Other victims included Trevor Wehner, Russell Beyer, Vicente Juarez, and Josh Pinkard.
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