Grandad sacrifices own life to save girl, 4, by pushing her out the way of car
A grandfather has been killed by a car while walking his granddaughter home from school after pushing her out of the way to save her life.
Alfonso 'Poncho' Rios, 72, was hit and killed at a crosswalk in California, as he walked his granddaughter home from school. The crash happened just a block away from their home in Dinuba, around 30 miles southeast of Fresno.
"They were crossing the crosswalk to come back home' he almost came back home, but they didn't make it," said Ariana Garcia, another of Mr Rios' granddaughters. She said she wasn't there when the crash happened, but her aunt called her immediately to say her grandpa wasn't with them anymore.
The four-year-old girl was flown to a nearby hospital after suffering a broken arm and pelvis. She has already been discharged and is expected to make a full recovery.
Mr Rios was described as the glue that held his family together (FOX8)Ariana said the young girl's life was saved thanks to the selfless actions of her grandpa. She said: "If I knew I could depend on anybody, it was my grandpa.
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"If I knew I needed somebody to just feel what I was feeling, it was my grandpa. He would always put himself in my position and everybody's position. Everybody is just devastated."
Mr Rios was the glue that held their family together, according to Ariana, who called him the most compassionate person she had ever known. She explained: "My grandpa was the most loving person in the whole world."
Mr Rios was a musician, brother, friend, father and grandfather, with his daughter, Mariana Rios, saying more than anything, he was their king. Speaking to ABC 30, she said: "his kindness, his love, his heart, like no other."
Mr Rios was a much-loved musician in the community, known by many (FOX8)
The family have been left devastated at the loss of their beloved patriarch (FOX8)She went on to say: "He had so much love for all of his grandchildren, for all of his family, but it was an honour for me to see him walk hand in hand with my daughters."
Mariana said the one thing her father always taught her was "don't give up, don't give up". She said: "The sacrifice that he did even in his last moment to protect the life of my daughter - again that compassion, that love."
His family has been left devastated, particularly as they say Mr Rios' death could have been prevented. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover his funeral expenses.
One of Mr Rios' granddaughters described him as the most compassionate person she had ever known (FOX8)The fundraiser, set up by one of his nieces and nephews, is hoping to raise $15,000 and within just four days has raised more than $10,000. The GoFundMe page read: "My Tio Poncho was an amazing man.
"He loved his family FIERCELY and he would have never wanted to leave them given the choice. Unfortunately, that choice was taken from him because of the negligence of someone else."
It went on to explain: "The last thing anyone wants to worry about is money while dealing with the loss of the patriarch of their family. This family would give the shirt [off] their back for anyone in need.
"I know a lot of people in town knew my Tio Poncho, have heard him play at your parties and enjoyed his company. His family now needs your support."
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