An 88-year-old school crossing guard died tragically this week while pushing two children out of the way of a speeding car.
Bob Nill, who was affectionately known to the local community as “Mr. Bob” was killed while patrolling outside the Christ the King Catholic School in the US state of Kansas.
Eyewitness accounts claim that Mr. Nill pushed the two boys back as they were crossing the road when he noticed a speeding car that seemed unaware of his red stop sign and the flashing school crossing lights.
The vehicle struck Mr. Nill in the center of the school crossing and he was transported to a local hospital in critical condition where he later died of his injuries.
The 88-year-old is being hailed as a hero in his local community who are now morning his death, it is reported that Mr. Nill was retired and began working as a crossing guard at the school five years ago to ensure that kids get to school safely.
The driver of the car that killed Mr. Nill did not stop at the scene of the crash but was eventually transported to the hospital.
Police believe that the driver was not intoxicated at the time of the incident and they suspect that the crash was would have most likely been the result of distracted driving.
Mr. Nill was a former sports coach, and his son told a local news outlet that the death of his wife had left Mr. Nill feeling very lonely and his role as the School Crossing Guard had given him a feeling of purpose.
His son told Washington Post: “It got him back on schedule again, he got to sleep when he was supposed to – but it also allowed him to spend time with children again, because Dad, he just loved kids. You could sense that.”
A series of heartfelt posts by the Christ the Kind Catholic School thanked Mr. Nill from saving the two children who were crossing the road.
“Our hearts are heavy as we inform you of [Nill]’s passing. Please continue to keep Mr. Nill and his family in your prayers as well as the students, parents, and teachers who witnessed today’s accident,” the school said. “Also know that Mr. Nill is a hero. He stopped two of our students from crossing the road as the car approached.”
The principal of the school, Cathy Fithian, told the Kansas City Star that a number of students had given the 88-year-old gifts for Valentine’s Day, highlighting the bond that he shared with the kids and the affection that they had for him.
“He always thought about the kids more than himself,” Fithian said. “We just want his family to know what a loving heart he had and the community to know what a blessing he was for our community.”
Photo Credit: Fox News 4
