A man fell to his death from a freeway after helping a stranded driver last weekend, People reports.
Timothy Baclit, 41, lost his life after he stopped to help a driver who had crashed into a guardrail on the Bryson Road overpass in Hopewell Township, Pennsylvania, according to his father.
The father of three had been trying to rescue the driver when he suddenly slipped and fell to his tragic death.
The incident took place at about 1 AM, as Baclit, an army veteran, was driving along the I-376. It was there that he spotted a driver in need of help.
"All we do know is that there was an accident. Tim and another witness that was there stopped to assist the guy," Baclit's grieving father Scott told WPXI.
"Tim went around the back side of the vehicle trying to help extract the individual, from what we understand. Stood up on the concrete wall and slipped and fell off the bridge."
He fell 27 feet and succumbed immediately to his injuries. Pennsylvania State Police are still investigating the tragic incident.
His dad told WTAE: "He had the brawn of a grizzly bear, but he had the heart of a lion."
"The thing that is bringing most comfort to his children is that he died a hero," his stepmom Mary Ellen Baclit added.
"I don't think anyone was surprised what he was doing when it happened, that's Tim," she continued. "He'd be there for anyone in a drop of a hat, no question."
"He helps anyone," Baclit's girlfriend Vicky Hunter said. "He's the most honest person you'll ever meet."
Baclit's mom Lorri Hagwood described her late son fondly as a very loving father who adored his three children: 19-year-old Gabby, 17-year-old Kaden, and Chandon, 14.
"He has a sister with a severe disability that he gave his heart to almost daily, and he took care of her," she added.
A GoFundMe has been set up to raise money for his children's education, which thus far has managed to raise $45,253 of its $75,000 goal.
Our thoughts are with Baclit's friends and family and this devastating time.
.jpg_nXpzjl?tr=h-184)
