Jim Cavanaugh, owner of Clint’s Comics, has died following an altercation outside his midtown shop

Jim Cavanaugh, owner of Clint’s Comics, died this afternoon following a robbery at his iconic midtown shop.

Early reports are that Cavanaugh chased a thief into the back parking lot after he stole comics from the store. An altercation ensued, during which Cavanaugh was struck by the door of the thief’s vehicle. Cavanaugh then suffered a heart attack and died.

No arrest has been made. KMBC Channel 9 reports that witnesses say the suspect was white and “appeared to be bald, in his mid-40s and wearing white basketball shoes and glasses.”

A post on Cavanaugh’s Facebook page confirmed the news: “I want to let everyone know that the rumors are true and Jim has passed today. I will post memorial news when I know more. The store will be closed at least for a week while we try to recover from our loss. Please remember Jim in your prayers. All of his customers are like his family, those that know Jim, know this.”

Clint’s Comics, which Cavanaugh’s family has owned since 1975, is the oldest comic-book shop in Missouri. Many a KC-area kid bought his or her first comic book from Cavanaugh. 

KCPT Channel 19 did a segment on Cavanaugh a few years ago. The Pitch chronicled the travails of Cavanaugh and Clint’s Comics back in 2003. 

We’ll update as more information becomes available.