Family Claims Decades-Long Employee Was Fired Twice While Critically Ill
A Louisiana family is speaking publicly for the first time about what they call a “devastating and unforgivable injustice” surrounding the final months of their father’s life. The man, who served 38 years with Advance Auto Parts, most recently as the General Manager of the Kaplan, Louisiana store, died earlier this year after a series of medical emergencies—including lung cancer, a stroke, and severe organ decline.
According to the family, his four decades of loyalty were met not with support, but with termination—twice—while he was under doctor’s care and on approved medical leave.
Follow up article below:
First Termination: Loss of Health Insurance Mid-Treatment
In January 2025, he was diagnosed with lung cancer. By early February, he suffered a stroke and immediately began aggressive treatment. While he was still out on approved medical leave, the family states that Advance Auto Parts terminated his employment, stripping him of the company health insurance he desperately needed.
Without coverage, his cancer treatments halted. To regain insurance and continue life-saving care, he was reportedly forced to reapply for his own job.
His daughter in law says this ordeal caused immense stress during a time when every day mattered.
Second Termination: Loss of Life Insurance While Critically Ill
After completing treatment, he attempted to return to work. But his health declined rapidly—multiple hospitalizations, kidney function dropping to 8%, and ultimately a second stroke.
Despite being covered under short- and long-term disability benefits, the family says Advance Auto Parts terminated him again, causing him to lose the company-provided life insurance policy he had relied on to protect his family.
He died still heartbroken, according to loved ones, that after nearly four decades of service, he had never received recognition, compassion, or even a simple acknowledgment from corporate leadership.
Family: “No Condolence Call, No Empathy, No Answers”
The family says they have attempted multiple times to contact upper management and human resources at Advance Auto Parts.
- District Manager Aaron Stall allegedly did not return repeated calls.
- HR Representative Barbara Cisco was described as indifferent during conversations with the family.
- No one from the corporate office, including CEO Shane O’Kelly, has reached out with condolences, an explanation, or an apology.
The only comfort came from coworkers and loyal customers who attended his services and shared stories about the impact he made in the community.
A Direct Message to Advance Auto Parts Leadership
In a public message addressed to Advance Auto Parts CEO Shane O’Kelly and the company’s leadership team, the family writes:
“My dad was dedicated to your organization for 38 years. He deserved far better treatment than repeated terminations while battling terminal illness. It is utterly disappointing and blatantly disrespectful how he was shunned and disregarded in his final months.”
They are requesting:
- Acknowledgment of the alleged injustice
- A sincere apology
- Clear answers surrounding the decisions that impacted his final months of life
They say they “will not rest until this occurs.”
A Community Remembers Him, While a Family Fights for Answers
Despite their grief, the family is grateful to the coworkers and many customers who paid their respects and shared how deeply he was appreciated. They say his dedication, humor, and work ethic will remain part of his legacy.
But they also believe his story reveals a larger issue about how corporations handle employees facing catastrophic illness.
“My dad’s voice may be gone,” the family said, “but ours isn’t.”
They are asking the public to share their story in hopes that Advance Auto Parts leadership will be compelled to respond.
Presence News Editorial Disclaimer
This article is based on statements and documentation provided by the family. Any updates, corporate responses, or additional information will be added as soon as they are received.
Update on Kyle Harrington Post.
Since Kyle has had several days to update and refuses. First, Kyle is misleading the public. Kyle’s step father worked for 38 years in the auto parts industry. NAPA for 15 plus years, Carquest for 10 plus years and then Advance Auto Parts for about 7 years. Kyle wants Answers that I will give him. Keith (Kyle step father) was diagnosed with Lung Cancer and was given Chemo/ Radiation. This made him unable to work. After 3 months of not working, Keith was released from Advance as is company standard. He still had Short term and would have had Long Term Disability if he kept going. The family Chose not to continue paying for company health insurance and having Cancer. They also refused COBRA. Instead Keith went back to work. Then several health issues occurred and again he was unable to work. Again, after 3 months they released him. Again, providing him with options that the family refused. They chose Medicare. Advance Auto Parts did reach out to Kyle only to fight them. So the bottom line is Advance Auto Parts bent over backwards to help Keith Hargrave which is Kyle’s step son. Keith was my dear friend and we spoke often. I am also a Cancer patient undergoing treatment. Advance Auto Parts is a vital business for our community of Kaplan. I ask you to please support this business. Thank you and may God bless.