Tragedy In California As Dad Helping Ducks Cross The Road Is Killed By Car
A dad, who had his children in the car with him, was tragically hit by a vehicle and killed just moments after he stopped to help a family of ducks cross a busy road in California. Just seconds before the fateful crash, traffic was at a standstill as other road users clapped the victim for his act of kindness.
The man had stopped his vehicle and jumped out after spotting the mother duck and her babies attempting to manoeuvre through traffic at a busy intersection in California.
Traffic had come to a standstill as other road users watched the man guide the ducks to safety, even applauding after he'd done it.
Tragedy struck just seconds later when he was struck by a car and killed on the spot. The entire incident unfolded while the victims' children were sat helplessly in his car waiting for him to come back.
The driver of the car who struck the man, a 17-year-old girl, immediately stopped at the scene and is said to be cooperating with police.
The horrific incident, that took place at Stanford Ranch Road and Park Drive on Thursday night was witnessed by multiple families, many of whom had children present.
Local news channel, KCRA 3, who described it as the victims' "final act of kindness", spoke to one 12-year-old who witnessed the tragic event as it happened and had taken pictures of the father's touching gesture just moments earlier.
William Wimsatt, 12, said: "He got out of the car and was shooing the ducks and everyone was clapping because he was being really nice.
"He helped them get up over the curb because all the little baby duckies were having trouble and then he walked in front of our car.
"My mom rolled down the window and said, 'Good job, good job," and I said, 'Good job' to him too."
Just moments later the man was struck by a car, which William said appeared to come out of nowhere.
He added: "I didn't see the car actually hit him. All I remember is the sound and then him flying across the intersection. His shoes and one of his socks were right in front of our car."
A spokesperson for Rocklin Police Department said: "The man was reportedly trying to help some ducklings that were in the intersection.
"As the man was in the intersection, a teenage driver was headed eastbound on Stanford Ranch Boulevard. This juvenile driver struck the pedestrian who was in the roadway.
"The driver remained at the scene of the collision. Emergency first responders arrived to assist, however, the man died at the scene.
"No arrest was made, and the incident is still under investigation. We would like to extend our condolences to all involved in this tragic event."
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