Real-life heroes exist and are not limited to movies or comic books; these people perform exceptional things, often at the expense of tremendous sacrifice.

Last Tuesday in Kansas City, a crossing guard gave his life to save children who may have died.

Eighty-eight-year-old  Bob Nill had served as a crossing guard at Christ the King Parish School for five years, and the pupils regarded him with great respect; many of them dubbed him “Mr. Bob”.

A dark vehicle drove across Nill’s crossing at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, according to accounts.

Nill put himself in danger in order to save two youngsters.

“He stopped [two students], and they listened, thank God,” school principal Cathy Fithian told KMBC 9.

According to witnesses, Nill shoved the youngsters out of the road as the automobile drove by. Tragically, he got hit. Randy, his nephew, said the brave deed was not out of character for him.

“What my Uncle Bob did to move little kids across the street might have seemed like a small thing to some, but it was a very important job for him, and now we know how important it was,” he said. He could have saved several lives.” 

Prior to retiring, Nill worked in finance and served in the Coast Guard. As he retired from full-time employment, he continued to give back to his community by working as a crossing guard.

“I think he felt like he could help children while also making himself feel good about what he was doing,” Randy explained.

On Tuesday, Christ the King Parish School issued a statement on their Facebook page.

“We’d like to provide you with an update on our crossing guard, Mr. Nill. We are saddened to notify you of his death. Please continue to pray for Mr. Nill and his family, as well as the children, parents, and instructors who saw the accident today.

“You should also know that Mr. Nill is a hero. When the automobile neared, he prevented two of our pupils from crossing the street.”

Bob Nill, rest in peace. Your efforts saved lives, and you will be recognized as a hero for that.