The Jackie Robinson statue that was stolen from outside a youth baseball park in Wichita, Kansas has been located, but unfortunately, it was found destroyed beyond repair. The statue, which stood outside League 42’s McAdams Park for years, was a beloved tribute to the legendary baseball player.
City officials in Wichita shared the sad news on Tuesday, stating that the fire department received a call for a trash fire at a local park. Once the flames were extinguished, firefighters discovered pieces of bronze in the rubble, which turned out to be from the Jackie Robinson statue. It was determined that the statue was not salvageable.
This incident has led to outrage and disappointment among the community and fans of Jackie Robinson. The statue held significant historical and cultural value, representing the impact Robinson had on breaking the color barrier in baseball.
However, city officials are already planning on making things right for the community. Council member Brandon Johnson stated in a press conference that he will ensure a replica statue will stand outside the ballpark again. This gesture aims to preserve the memory and legacy of Jackie Robinson and continue to inspire future generations.
A tweet from KAKE News shared an image of the remains of the destroyed statue, further highlighting the loss and sparking conversations about the importance of preserving historical monuments.
Despite this setback, Johnson emphasized that the community will continue to invest in the area and that this tragic incident will not diminish the hope they have for the community’s future.
To support the replacement of the stolen Jackie Robinson statue, a fundraiser has been set up with a goal of $100,000. The campaign has already raised over $11,000, showing the community’s determination to restore the tribute and honor Robinson’s legacy.
No arrests have been made at this time, but officials are urging anyone with information about the theft or vandalism to come forward. The community is united in seeking justice for this act and ensuring that such incidents do not happen again.
The destruction of the Jackie Robinson statue is a reminder of the importance of preserving historical artifacts and commemorations. It serves as a call to protect and respect the symbols that represent significant moments and individuals in our history. The loss of this statue is a loss for the community and a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to combat vandalism and ensure the preservation of cultural heritage.
