'Proud' Mom Fatally Run Over by Shoplifters Just Weeks Before Christmas, Leaving Behind 2 Daughters

A mother-of-two has died after attempting to confront shoplifters at her workplace.

Ilson Miriam Kim was trying to stop two people who stole several items from her beauty supply store, Beauty Max, in Jacksonville, Florida, at around 6 p.m. local time on Friday, Dec. 6, when she was fatally run over, according to WSAZ 3 and Cleveland 19 News,

“Two individuals entered into the business, one of the individuals grabbed several items and ran out of the store with those items,” Sgt. Steve Rudlaff with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office told News 4 JAX.

One of the shoplifters left on foot, while the other got into a car with a driver waiting, Rudlaff added to the outlet.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment on Sunday, Dec. 15.

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Kim, 64, was rushed to hospital after being hit by the vehicle, though she was later pronounced dead.

“Everything she accomplished in her life was through sheer grit and determination,” her family told WJXT.

“Though she was at times hesitant, she didn’t want fear to conquer her. She was in her 60s when she learned how to swim and had taken up Zumba to get into better health," they added.

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A business owner, who chose to remain anonymous, told News 4 JAX that shoplifting had been a “major issue” for the plaza where Kim's shop was located.

“I think a lot of companies need to take accountability for their employees and make sure they are trained to know not to run after a shoplifter, especially in a busy area like this,“ shopper Heather Colby told the outlet.

Another individual described Kim’s actions as being “very courageous,” as they shared their “thoughts and prayers” with her loved ones.

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A GoFundMe set up to raise money for Kim’s funeral expenses revealed that she is leaving behind two daughters and a husband.

“Ilson was a proud mother, wife, businesswoman, and store owner,” the GoFundMe reads.

“She taught her daughters the power of hard work, persistence, empathy, and love; she exemplified these qualities with the grace and love she showed to others in her community on a daily basis," it continues.

An online obituary said that Kim immigrated to the United States from Uijeongbu, South Korea, in 1986 "in search of better opportunities" and opened her beauty store in Jacksonville just three years ago.

No arrests have been made tied to Kim's death. The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone who may have witnessed or has any information about the incident is asked to contact authorities at (904) 630-0500.

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