Real-life heroes exist and are not just found in movies or comic books; they accomplish remarkable feats frequently at tremendous personal expense.
Last Tuesday, a crossing guard gave his life in Kansas City to save children whose lives would have been lost.
The students at Christ, the King Parish School, were viewed by Bob Nil, who was 88 years old and had served as a crossing guard there for five years; in great regard, many of them referred to him as “Mr. Bob.”
Early on Tuesday morning, at 8 a.m., a dark car reportedly drove through Nil’s crossing.
Nil risked his life to save two kids.
According to school head Cathy Fithian to KMBC 9, “He stopped [two students], and they listened, thank God, but then he, of course, was the victim.”
As the automobile drove, witnesses claim Nil shoved the kids out of the road. He was unfortunately struck. Randy, his nephew, said the brave deed wasn’t out of character.
“What my Uncle Bob did for merely bringing tiny kids across the street appeared perhaps inconsequential to some people, but for him, it was an essential job, and today, we know how vital it was,” he said. He might have spared a few lives.
Before his retirement, Nil held positions in the Coast Guard and the banking industry. He continued serving his community by working as a crossing guard after leaving his full-time position.
Randy remarked, “I believe he felt that by doing this, he could benefit children and make himself feel good about what he was doing.
On Tuesday, Christ the King Parish School sent a statement to its Facebook page.
“We wanted to update you on Mr. Nil, our crossing guard. As we share his passing with you, our hearts are heavy. Please keep Mr. Nil and his family, as well as the children, parents, and instructors who were there for today’s accident, in your thoughts.
“Remember that Mr. Nil is a hero, too. As the automobile got closer, he prevented two of our students from crossing the street.
Bob Nil, please go in peace. Because of the lives you saved, you will always be regarded as a hero.