Funeral Held Today For Good Samaritan Killed Outside Walgreens
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ARLINGTON (CBSDFW.COM) - Funeral services will be held this afternoon for the Good Samaritan shot and killed outside a Walgreens in southeast Arlington earlier this week. Services for former Marine Anthony "T.J." Antell will be held at St. John the Apostle United Methodist Church.
Hours before the service members of Antell's family said they were grateful for all the public support that they've received. One of Antell's brothers-in-law said the family may make a public statement later today to thank the community for reaching out to help them.
Antell was killed while trying to stop a gunman who had allegedly just shot his wife during a domestic dispute. Suspect 22-year-old Ricci Bradden, a Fort Hood soldier, remains in the Arlington Jail. His wife says Bradden was mad at her because her Facebook profile was too risqué. Bradden is charged with Murder and is being held on a $500,000 bond.
One of Antell's sons referred to him simply as Superman. According to his obituary, the 35-year-old father of three "was always exploring new adventures." The results of those adventures may have left him with bumps and bruises but his family said that didn't slow him down.
Antell went from being a Marine, to a chef, to a property manager and finally a CrossFit owner and instructor. Those who knew him said he was "always passionate about what he was doing."
Antell met his wife-to-be, Crystal, in New York City. She and Antell were the owners of CrossFit Abattoir.
People from Antell's gym and other gyms across the U.S. have gone online to express their sorrow.
Another CrossFit gym in Pensacola Florida posted:
"May God bless TJ's loved ones during this sad and critical time of loss… What a detrimental lost to the CrossFit community and the world as a whole."
In another post, an employee who worked at the CrossFit gym in Arlington called Antell a:
"CrossFit coach for the heavens... A fighter and always strong, he's always looking out for others and encouraged me and many others to do the same."
The GoFundMe account set up to "help with any memorial needs the family may have, as well as any help needed at the gym" has surpassed the $30,000 goal and on the day Antell is to be laid to rest was at more than $37,000.
In addition to his wife and sons, Hayden and Liam, and daughter Rilee, Antell is also survived by his parents and siblings.
The funeral for Anthony Lee "T.J." Antell Jr. will be held at 2 p.m. at St. John the Apostle United Methodist Church, located at 5450 Mansfield Road in Arlington.
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