A California father was cheered for helping a family of ducks cross a road.
But the happy mood reportedly quickly turned tragic as he was struck by a car and killed moments later.
KCRA reported the incident occurred on Thursday in Rocklin, California.
A 12-year-old witness, identified as William, told KCRA, “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.”
“He got out of the car and was shooing the ducks and everyone was clapping because he was being really nice,” he continued.
Watch the video below:
A final act of kindness. This is absolutely heartbreaking. A California father is killed while helping a mother duck and her ducklings cross the road. (Video: KCRA) pic.twitter.com/PENJBhz1W8
— Mike Sington (@MikeSington) May 21, 2023
William added, “My mom rolled down the window and said, ‘Good job, good job,’ and I said, ‘Good job’ to him too.”
He explained, “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,” William added.
A memorial was set up on the side of the road with rubber ducks to commemorate the man.
William told KCRA, “He was the only person to get out of the car and try and help them and probably the nicest person in the entire area. It’s not fair.”
Police said the driver of the vehicle that struck the man is a 17-year-old girl who stayed at the scene and is cooperating with law enforcement.
No charges have been filed as of Monday afternoon, nor has the driver been ticketed.
