The stolen Jackie Robinson statue, which was taken from outside a youth baseball park, has been found in a tragic state. The statue was discovered destroyed beyond repair in a park in Wichita, Kansas. The fire department responded to a call about a trash fire at the local park and found the remains of the bronze statue in the rubble.
Key Takeaway
The Jackie Robinson statue, stolen from a youth baseball park, has been found destroyed in a Kansas park. Efforts are underway to replace the beloved tribute, and a fundraiser has been launched to support the creation of a new statue.
Tragic Loss for the Community
The Robinson figure, which had been a beloved tribute outside League 42’s McAdams Park for years, was determined to be not salvageable. This incident has left the community in mourning, as the statue held significant historical and cultural value.
Plans for Restoration
City officials have expressed their commitment to making amends for the loss. Council member Brandon Johnson assured the public in a press conference that efforts are already underway to replace the statue with a replica. Johnson emphasized the city’s dedication to investing in the community and restoring the symbol of hope that the statue represented.
Appeal for Information
Despite the recovery of the destroyed statue, no arrests have been made in connection to the theft and vandalism. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist in the investigation.
Community Support for Replacement
In response to the devastating loss, a fundraiser has been initiated to gather support for the replacement of the Jackie Robinson statue. The initiative has already raised over $11,000, with a goal of reaching $100,000 to fund the creation of a new tribute to the baseball legend.