Fresno Man Killed While Directing Traffic on Auberry Road | ABC30 Fresno

kfsn

By ABC30

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Fresno, CA A Fresno father of seven died Tuesday afternoon while he tried to direct traffic after a weather related accident near Copper and Auberry Road in North Fresno County.

The CHP says Khai Lee was on his way home from work at Table Mountain Casino Tuesday afternoon when he saw an accident in front of him and stopped to help. His children say he always took the initiative to lend a hand. Unfortunately, his own life was taken while trying to help.

Khai Lee's children are not surprised that their father came to the aid of a person who needed assistance Tuesday.

California Highway Patrol Officers say Lee had pulled over to assist another motorist who had crashed into a fence when he was struck while directing traffic.

CHP Officer Scot Esmay said, "A lot of people stopped to assist the person that went off the roadway. A few of the people were out actually in the roadway directing traffic and as a result as traffic was calming down, with the rain and everything one of those pedestrians that was directing traffic was struck and killed."

Lee emigrated from Laos 20 years ago, leaving a hard life and trade of farming. He has worked for the past several years as a housekeeper at Table Mountain Casino. His children say he instilled in each of them the value of education. The three eldest all work and attend Fresno State.

His absence will mean a heavier load, but his children say together they will carry on.

The motorist who wrecked into the fence was not injured. The driver who hit Lee did stop but at this point the California Highway Patrol does not believe the driver was at fault.