Chicago, IL–Most fathers would do anything to protect their children, and here’s another example.
Like hero fathers James Kim and Albert Collins, Chicago father Joseph Richardson gave his life to save his child.
From Mitch Dudke’s Dad died saving his little girl: Father’s last act protected 4-year-old from crash (Chicago Sun-Times, 5/7/08):
“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.
“‘He held the baby up to keep the car from destroying the baby, but it totally destroyed him,’ said Richardson’s father, the Rev. L.V. Richardson.
“Richardson was walking his daughter to a McDonald’s for burgers at 6:40 p.m. Monday when a 1990 Chevy Cavalier jumped a curb and careened towards them, police said, citing witness accounts.
“He grabbed his daughter just before the car slammed the two into the fence, police said…
“Joseph Richardson, the father of two girls and a boy, all under the age of 11, was described as a devoted father. His other love was music. He was a gifted pianist and organist and performed in choirs at Cottage Grove Baptist Church and Greater Revelation Missionary Baptist Church, where his father ministers. His idols were Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder, his family said…”
Read the full article here.