Collectors Kingdom owner, Michael Scott Bradley, has died of undisclosed causes. He was 48-years old.
Founded in 1982, Collectors Kingdom was one of the longest-running comic-book stores on Long Island, New York. Bradley had owned the shop for almost twenty of its thirty-three years in business. It is now closed permanently.
"The comics community lost a good person and an iconic store," says industry veteran Robert V. Conte, who managed Collectors Kingdom from 1987-1990. "I respected Michael for keeping it alive long after many of its local competitors closed. Both the man and the store will be deeply missed."
On January 7, a fire completely destroyed the shop and neighboring businesses inside the West Hills Shopping Center in Huntington Station. Bradley cited losses of over $500,000.00 but did not have insurance to cover the damage. He had moved the store to a nearby location while holding a campaign to raise $25,000.00 on indiegogo.com. The fundraiser ended on March 9, only reaching $6,827.00—27% of its goal.
Bradley's last post on Collectors Kingdom’s Facebook page was on March 18, thanking his customers for their "generosity and support" and that he was "blessed to be allowed to be [the store's] guardian."
Less than three days later, Bradley had been rushed to Huntington Hospital and placed on life support. He remained there through his death on the early morning on April 6. A memorial service was held last Friday, April 10 at M. A. Connell Funeral Home Inc. in Huntington Station, New York.
As of this writing, the circumstances surrounding Bradley's death are not under investigation.
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