NEW ORLEANS — A 90-year-old U.S. Air Force Veteran, who worked pushing carts at a Metairie Winn Dixie to make ends meet, has passed, according to a social media post by Former WWL Louisiana Anchor Karen Swensen.
You may remember Dillon McCormick, who Swensen spotted working at Winn Dixie on Memorial Day back in May.
In an Instagram post, Swensen said McCormick would have turned 91, but died due to natural causes.
"His nephew, Sean, said he died of natural causes earlier this week on Nov 13.," she said. "Mr. McCormick was a proud veteran who inspired a divided nation to come together and rally to his aid. We met on Memorial Day in the sweltering heat. He was pushing carts so that he could afford to eat."
After that day Swensen started GoFundMe which garnered support from thousands across the country. Over 4,000 people donated, raising over $200,000 for McCormick.
Read Swensen's full post below:
"Remembering Mr. Dillon McCormick on what would have been his 91st birthday. His nephew, Sean, said he died of natural causes earlier this week on Nov 13. Mr. McCormick was a proud veteran who inspired a divided nation to come together and rally to his aid. We met on Memorial Day in the sweltering heat. He was pushing carts so that he could afford to eat. Within 24 hours, so many of YOU — strangers from all over the country —raised enough money for him to be able to comfortably retire. Instead, he kept working but just one day a week so that could stay active and see his friends and customers. Mr. McCormick was as humble, funny and tough as he was hard working. He never had a car. He walked instead. He never had a wife or kids. His little brother was his world. His family asked me to thank everyone who helped Dillon McCormick. He died with dignity, knowing that the nation was truly grateful for his service. May he rest in peace."
► Get breaking news from your neighborhood delivered directly to you by downloading the new FREE WWL-TV News app now in the IOS App Store or Google Play.