Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Real American Hero

No, this isn’t a beer commercial. This is about the kind of split-second thinking and fast action that saves lives; the kind that defines true selflessness and bravery in the face of one’s own imminent peril.

I can say no more about this man, since no words of mine will do him more honor than he has done himself.

With an out-of-control car bearing down, Joseph Richardson grabbed his 4-year-old daughter and held her up out of harm’s way.

It was his last act—and one that apparently saved his daughter’s life.

Richardson, a 39-year-old father of three, was killed Monday evening by the car, driven by a man who police say was drunk.

The car pinned Richardson and his daughter Kaniyah against a wrought iron fence at 95th Street and Wentworth, police said.

Kaniyah survived and was listed in critical but stable condition Tuesday evening at Comer Children’s Hospital, where a spokeswoman said she was doing well.

Nothing more needs to be said. Except for this:

The driver of the car, Angelo Thomas, 32, ... was charged with two felony counts of aggravated driving under the influence, police said. He was also cited with driving without a valid license or insurance.

I’m sure a Felony Murder charge isn’t out of the question under these circumstances. Our prayers are with Mr. Richardson’s friends and family in these devastating times.

(h/t The Line Is Here)