Heroic California dad dies by car after helping a family of ducks cross the street while his helpless kids watch
- The unnamed man was hit by a 17-year-old driving down Stanford Ranch Boulevard in Rocklin
- The father’s last act of kindness was witnessed by his children and another family
- Police say the investigation is ongoing, but no arrests have been made yet
A California father has been killed by a car after heroically helping a family of ducks cross a busy California highway.
The unnamed man parked his car on the side of the road and guided the mother and her family of ducklings across the intersection of Park Drive and Stanford Ranch Boulevard in Rocklin, California, on Friday night.
Tragically, the man was hit and killed by another vehicle before returning to his car.
The sweet act of kindness was captured by 12-year-old William Wimsatt, the child of another driver.
Speak to 3KCRA William said, “He got out of the car, he chased the ducks away, and everyone clapped because he was being very nice.”
“He helped them up the curb because the baby ducks were in trouble.”
The father’s heroic act was captured on camera by 12-year-old William Wimsatt
The unnamed man can be seen helping the family of ducks across the street
The Wimsatt family thanked the man for his good deed, but moments later a car traveling east on Stanford Ranch Boulevard killed the Good Samaritan.
“I only remember the sound and then he flew over the intersection,” he added, “his shoes and one of his socks were right in front of our car.”
“He was the only person who got out of the car and tried to help them and probably the nicest person in the whole area. It’s not fair,’ said William.
After the incident, William’s mother got out of her car and comforted the man’s children who were in the man’s parked car, sadly witnessing the collision.
The photos show the man, dressed in a burgundy T-shirt, black shorts and sneakers, leading the ducks to safety.
Another woman, Summer Peterson, said her children also saw the scene.
“They said, ‘Oh, it’s so cute.’ It’s so nice of him.’ And then all of a sudden he got hit by a car,” she said told CBS 13.
Peterson has created a temporary memorial at the crash site, with locals leaving flowers, and her son brought rubber ducks as a tribute to the man’s last act of kindness.
The collision occurred at the intersection of Park Drive and Stanford Ranch Boulevard in Rocklin, California
Rocklin police said the 17-year-old was traveling east along Stanford Ranch Boulevard
Summer Peterson’s son brought flowers and rubber ducks to honor the slain man
Police are still investigating the incident and no arrests have been made yet
“My son wanted to bring rubber ducks and flowers to this gentleman who lost his life, he was a father.”
Rocklin police said the 17-year-old female driver remained at the scene after the accident and is cooperating fully with the investigation.
In a statement, the police said: “The driver remained at the scene of the collision.
Emergency services arrived to assist, but the man died at the scene. The Major Accident Investigation Team was activated and came to the scene.
“No arrest has been made and the incident is still under investigation,” they added.
“We would like to express our condolences to all involved in this tragic event.”
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Rocklin Police Department.