A Good Samaritan high school senior met a horrific fate last week while running to help a 25-year-old woman whose car had just crashed on a Kansas freeway.
Benjamin ‘Ben’ Van Buskirk was killed while trying to help young mother-of-one Paula Baird whose car was involved in a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 35 north of Johnson Drive in Merriam, around 2am early Sunday morning.
Without hesitation Ben jumped out of his own car rushing to Baird’s aid and was fatally hit by a moving vehicle.
The teenager’s grief-stricken mother, Carrie Lee referred to her son as ‘sweet Ben’ as she told DailyMail.com what a selfless and remarkable young man he was.
Benjamin David Van Buskirk, 17, rescued a young woman who was in a car crash but lost his life during the rescue after he was fatally struck by a car on the side of the road early Sunday
Paula Baird, 25, car was involved in a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 35 north of Johnson Drive in Merriam, around 2am early Sunday morning
‘His love and connections to his friends and family were deep and often all encompassing,’ she shared in his obituary.
She described him as someone who ‘lived to make others laugh and smile,’ and was completely devoted to his older brother Ty Van Buskirk, who has special needs. She referred to him as Ty’s ‘compass – always showing him the way.’
‘Although three years apart, throughout childhood, the two often appeared as twins, inseparable,’ she said.
‘Even the younger brother, Ben often took the lead in an effort to teach and protect his older brother who was learning to navigate life as an autistic.’
His mother shared that Ben, who was born prematurely and spent time in the NICU was a ‘tiny and beautiful boy,’ who ‘couldn’t get enough hugs or snuggles from family.’
‘His affection and care was constant,’ she said. ‘Ben’s deep love and connection with family and friends was incredibly authentic, unwavering and loyal.
His family treasured his ‘authenticity’ and ‘courage to be himself.’ They wrote, ‘he didn’t let a day go by without reassuring you of his love. He truly illuminated love and joy everywhere.’
The added: ‘What a bright light he was! Perhaps too bright for this world.’
According to the Kansas Highway Patrol the crash occurred when a Jeep Liberty rear-ended a Chevrolet Equinox, which was stalled from a separate accident, local Fox4 News reported.
Before the accident occurred, a third vehicle, a Honda CRV, had pulled over on the shoulder. That is when 17-year-old Benjamin Van Buskirk of Olathe, a passenger in the CRV, got out and attempted to render aid on foot.
Van Buskirk was running up to the Equinox while it was still in motion from being rear-ended when he was struck and killed, the report said.
‘It is because of this and who Ben was, that his family was not surprised by his final actions on earth.’
‘Ben and a close friend were driving home and witnessed an accident on the interstate. Ben yelled to stop the car, saying people in the car needed help.
He ran to provide aid and was killed after being struck in the process. Courage isn’t something that can be taught, it solely lives in the moment.’
The family wrote that ‘Ben’s courageous spirit was present at the time of his death. Though his parents and brother wish he hadn’t chosen to do it, they simply understand that is who he was.’
‘He died as he lived, thoughtful, loving, and courageous,’ they said. ‘May his short life remind us to all live life with intention, purpose, compassion for others with a listening ear, a watchful eye, and loving heart.’
Ben’s zest for life was admired, and his mother said friends had a nickname for her son calling him ‘Philly.’ She said he loved the Eagles, Phillies and 76ers. His mom said his love for the Eagles was so strong, he ‘required a trip each year to catch a game and take in the city he felt most comfortable in’
The car accident happened early Sunday morning around 2am on Interstate 35 in Kansas
Baird, who sustained injuries from the accident, shared how devastated she was when she learned the tragic news about the man who came to her rescue.
‘Ben’s selflessness and courage in those moments will never be forgotten, and my heart goes out to his family and loved ones,’ she wrote on a GoFundMe.
The young mother shared that due to the accident she is unable to work and support her eight-year-old son.
‘Medical bills, therapy, and daily expenses are piling up, and I am struggling to make ends meet,’ she wrote, in part. ‘I have a child who depends on me, and I need to ensure that I can continue to provide and care for him during this challenging time.’
As of Wednesday, nearly $1,900 was raised towards their goal of $10,000.
The young mother shared that due to the accident she is unable to work and support her 8-year-old son
Ben was a fan of the St. Louise Blues hockey and Cardinal as his ‘number#1A baseball team, his mom said was how he put it.
After the horror tragedy, Olathe South High School where Ben would have been a senior released a statement.
‘I have very sad news to share with you. We have learned that rising senior Ben Van Buskirk was killed in a tragic traffic accident while trying to help someone in need,’ the statement read.
‘Ben was a beloved Falcon and friend to many. We have been in touch with Ben’s family, and we will release information regarding funeral arrangements at a later date.
The school offered counseling services to those students and faculty in need.
The upcoming memorial events for Ben include visitation scheduled for August 5 and funeral on August 6.
He is survived by his mother, father Mark Van Buskirk and older brother Ty.
