88-Year-Old Crossing Guard Dies Saving Kids From Speeding Car

Bob Nill had worked at the school for five years as a crossing guard

An 88-year-old crossing guard was struck by a car while protecting two kids from a speeding vehicle. Sadly, he later died from his injuries.

Bob Nill was working the crosswalk as he does every morning in front of Christ the King Parish School, a private Catholic school in Kansas City, Kansas. Police say a speeding car hit and killed the crossing guard who was stopping two kids from stepping off the sidewalk and into the path of the car.

Nill was taken to a local hospital in critical condition where he later died.

The school posted about the accident to parents, later confirming that Nill had passed away. “We would like to give you an update on our crossing guard, Mr. Nill. Our hearts are heavy as we inform you of his passing,” they said. “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. Also know that Mr. Nill is a hero. He stopped two of our students from crossing the road as the car approached.”

Nill joined the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas, as a crossing guard in 2015 after retiring from a career in banking, WECT News reported. The Unified Government said in a press release that its “staff extends their heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the employee’s family, friends and all those affected by this tragedy.”

Cathy Fithian, principal of Christ The King Catholic School, told NBC affiliate KSHB in Kansas City that she thinks things would have turned tragic for her two students, a 7-year-old and 11-year-old, if Nill had not stepped in. “He saved two of our students today,” Fithian said. “I’m confident they would not be here if (he) had not stepped in and we are thankful, we feel very blessed to have had him in our lives for five years. We just pray for his family at this time.”

She added that the incident could have involved two additional victims if it weren’t for Nill’s quick actions. “He had the stop sign in one hand and he yelled stop. The boys listened and they weren’t struck because he saved their lives.”

Nill’s nephew, Randy Nill, said his uncle didn’t want to spend his golden years sitting around and enjoyed his time with the kids. “This was something, I think, he felt like he could help children and help himself feel good about what he was doing,” said Nill.

Kansas City Mayor David Alvey also weighed in on the tragic accident that killed Nill. “I offer our deepest sympathies to the family of Mr. Nill. To Mr. Nill, our heartfelt gratitude for your selfless act in protecting our children.”