Golden Krust founder commits suicide, social media reacts

Lowell Hawthorne, founder and CEO of Golden Krust Bakery and Grill, was found shot to death earlier this afternoon at one of his factories in the Claremont section of the Bronx. He was 57 years old and the death has been ruled a suicide.

The first Golden Krust store opened in 1989. Since that time, the company has expanded to include 120 U.S. retail locations, while also supplying 20,000 outlets with more than 50 million patties per year.

In addition to creating a unique branding and logistics model that elevated the status of Caribbean cuisine -- especially the Jamaican patty -- throughout the United States, Golden Krust has also created a solid path to entrepreneurship for franchisees who took the leap.

Mr. Hawthorne’s compassionate and thoughtful side was chronicled during an episode of CBS’ Undercover Boss, and through his company’s foundation, he raised more than $100,000 in support of college education.

Shortly after the incident around 6pm this evening, an outpouring of love began on social media:

Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica

https://twitter.com/AndrewHolnessJM/status/937126930142261248

 

Franz N. Hall, Miami Consul General of Jamaica

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcOQDgnFsX0N8XFqf0UdaBfw1xWCnCxFXXGiC00/

 

David Squeeze Annakie, LinkUp Media Group

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcONYo0AvYF/

Eva Wilson, Caribbean Parenting Blogger, SocaMom®

https://twitter.com/SocaMomDC/status/937141973215055873

Ruben Diaz, Jr., Bronx Borough President

https://twitter.com/rubendiazjr/status/937138932579491840

Read more about Mr. Hawthorne's life and contributions.