In brief
Hill's courageous leap onto the presidential limousine became a defining image of the tragic event, and he later shared his experiences through bestselling books.
Clint Hill, the former US Secret Service agent who made headlines for his brave leap onto John F. Kennedy's car during the president's assassination, has passed away at the age of 93. Known for his pivotal role during one of America's most tragic historic moments, Hill died in his California home, surrounded by loved ones, according to a statement from his publicist.On November 22, 1963, Hill was tasked with protecting Jacqueline Kennedy, the president's wife. As they traveled through Dallas, he was positioned in a vehicle behind the presidential limousine when he heard the first gunshot. With remarkable speed, he rushed towards the couple, climbing onto the back of the car to shield them from the gunfire. His dramatic response was immortalized in the infamous Zapruder film, which continues to be a significant record of that fateful day.Originally hailing from North Dakota, Hill served in the Army prior to joining the Secret Service in 1958. His immediate actions on that fateful day earned him accolades, eventually leading him to the position of assistant director of the Secret Service. However, the trauma stemming from the assassination lingered, prompting Hill to retire early in 1975 at just 43 years old. He often expressed deep remorse, believing he could have altered the course of history had he reacted even slightly faster.In his candid moments, Hill spoke to CBS's "60 Minutes" about the guilt that plagued him, stating, "If I had reacted about five-tenths of a second faster... I would have taken the shot." Over the years, he revisited Dallas and navigated his feelings of responsibility, ultimately reconciling that he did all he could at the time.In his later years, Hill found solace and purpose through writing, co-authoring a memoir titled "Mrs. Kennedy and Me" with journalist Lisa McCubbin. Their professional relationship blossomed into romance, culminating in marriage in 2021. Hill’s passing marks the end of an era as he leaves behind a legacy of courage and an incredible story of personal strength amidst the shadows of history. The details surrounding his death, including the cause, have not yet been disclosed.
