An act of kindness turned fatal on May 18 when a compassionate father lost his life while assisting a family of ducks in crossing a busy road in California. The incident occurred at the intersection of Stanford Ranch Road and Park Drive where a driver, identified as a 17-year-old girl, unexpectedly hit the man while he was being applauded for his kind move.
California man killed by car while helping ducks cross busy road 😔 pic.twitter.com/rtofPOyGff
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) May 22, 2023
Twelve-year-old William Wimsatt, who was present at the scene, shared details of the incident with KCRA 3. According to Wimsatt, the unidentified man had pulled over his car to lend a hand to the ducks, who were in desperate need of assistance to navigate the hazardous roadway.
Stepping out of his vehicle, the man began shooing the ducks away from the traffic, earning applause from onlookers who were moved by his altruism. With his cell phone in hand, Wimsatt discreetly captured the act of compassion as the man led the ducks across the road, ensuring their safe passage across the road.
However, what should have been a moment of celebration quickly turned into a tragedy as a vehicle appeared seemingly out of nowhere, striking the man who had just performed the heroic act. Witnesses, including Summer Peterson, were left in shock as they watched the man being thrown across the intersection.
“I didn’t see the car actually hit him. All I remember is the sound, and then him flying across the intersection,” Wimsatt stated with a heavy heart.
According to eyewitnesses, the man’s children also witnessed the incident as they were sitting in their car.
Local authorities are currently investigating the case as they say the girl behind the wheel is cooperating with the investigation. No charges are in view and police do not consider DUI a factor in the incident, as stated by KOVR.
While Wimsatt said he did not know the man prior to the incident, he expressed hope that people will remember him for his selflessness and kindness. “He was the only person to get out of the car and try to help them and probably the nicest person in the entire area. It’s not fair,” he said.
Given how the death shook the community, residents and children have set up rubber duckies and flowers in honor of the man.
