22 May 2023 , 18:40
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Horrified children looked on as a dad was killed trying to help a family of ducks cross a busy road.
The man died when he was struck by a car as he tried to help the family of ducks cross the busy road in Rocklin, California.
He herded them over safely only to be knocked down and killed seconds later on Stanford Ranch Road and Park Drive in the city of Rocklin, about 22 miles from Sacramento, on Thursday night.
A 12-year-old witness spotted the touching moment the father, who died at the scene, successfully herded the ducks away from danger.
“He got out of the car and was shooing the ducks and everyone was clapping because he was being really nice," William Wimsatt told 3KCRA.
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Young William, who took the pictures, said some in the area applauded the dad and cars stayed still even though the lights were green.
William said he heard the dreadful crash (KCRA 3)"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," William told the channel.
"My mom rolled down the window and said, 'Good job, good job,' and I said, 'Good job' to him too and then right after that, the second after that...." he said the car hit him.
William said the car seemed to come out of nowhere.
"I didn't see the car actually hit him. All I remember is the sound and then him flying across the intersection," he said. "His shoes and one of his socks were right in front of our car."
William's mum got out of the car to comfort the man's children who saw what happened to their dad, who has not been named.
Ducks were left in tribute to the dad (KCRA 3)Summer Peterson told CBS 13 her children saw the collision.
She said: "They were saying, 'Oh, it's so cute. It's so nice of him.' And then all of a sudden he was hit by a car."
In tribute to the unnamed man, Summer and her children created a temporary memorial at the site of the incident and he son brought rubber ducks as a touching tribute.
In a statement, Rocklin Police said: "The driver remained at the scene of the collision.
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"Emergency first responders arrived to assist, however the man died at the scene. The Major Accident Investigation Team was activated and responded to the area.
"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."
A 17-year-old driver stayed at the scene to help police, and the local force is still investigating. No arrests have been made.