Tragedy as father killed while helping family of ducks cross road

A man who was helping ducks cross a busy road - to cheers from onlookers - has died after being struck by a car just moments later.

A California father died after being struck by a car Thursday night while helping a family of ducks cross a busy road, witnesses said.

The horrifying crash took place at Stanford Ranch Road and Park Drive in the city of Rocklin, about 35km from Sacramento, just after 8pm.

William Wimsatt, a 12-year-old boy who witnessed the kind-hearted stranger’s actions, told KCRA 3 the man had stepped out of his car to help the ducks avoid traffic.

The man was helping a family of ducks cross a road before he was struck by a car. Picture: Supplied

“He got out of the car and was shooing the ducks and everyone was clapping because he was being really nice,” William said.

The young boy took photos of the man, who has not been identified, with his mobile phone as he and the ducks crossed in front of his mother’s car.

“He helped them get up over the kerb because all the little baby duckies were having trouble and then he walked in front of our car,” the boy recounted.

After the ducks made it safely to the other side of the road, William said, onlookers in their cars applauded the good Samaritan’s actions.

“My mum rolled down the window and said, ‘Good job, good job,’ and I said, ‘Good job’ to him too.”

William Wimsatt said he and his mother applauded the man for his actions just before the crash took place. Picture: KCRA

Right after that, William said, the man was struck by a car that seemingly came 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.”

A memorial of rubber duckies and flowers was left near the site of the accident. Picture: KCRA

Another woman, Summer Peterson, told KOVR that her child also saw the tragedy unfold.

“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,” she told the outlet at a makeshift memorial for the man on Friday.

After the accident, William’s mother got out of her car and comforted the man’s children, who were sitting in their own car and witnessed the crash.

A makeshift memorial — full of rubber duckies and flowers — was set up on the corner where the accident occurred.

William said he hopes people remember the man for his kindness.

“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,” he said.

Police are still investigating the cause of the fatality.

The driver, a 17-year-old girl, is co-operating with authorities and is not currently facing any charges.

DUI is not suspected, KOVR reported.

This story was published by the New York Post and reproduced with permission