The 100-year-old WWII veteran who was attacked from behind on October 25 in Longmont, Colorado has died of his injuries, according to reports.
The Longmont Police Department revealed that centenarian Ken Barhite was out on a routine evening walk last month when he was set upon.
Ken is said to have told a bystander in the immediate aftermath of the attack that he was pushed from behind, fell into a parked car, and then hit the ground.
Lydia Tafoya, Ken’s daughter, said: “There was a homeless guy on the bench, and being the loving Christian that my dad was, he said hello to the man and that evidently set him off.”
She added that her father had sustained five fractures.
“Two pelvic fractures, lower back fracture, and a compound fracture of the spine,” she said. “I guess the guy did a football tackle. He got shoved and he hit the ground, and [the suspect] kicked him when he was down and ran off.”
Ken was rushed to hospital after the random attack, and his condition was believed to be improving at one point. Tragically, however, the aging veteran simply couldn’t pull through.
Lydia said: “I put my hand on his and squeezed it real tight for the last time. I told him I loved him, ‘go be with mom,’ and then said goodbye. That was the last breath he took.
“I realize that at 100, I knew my dad would go, but I thought it would be on his terms. He got robbed. This wasn’t on his terms.”
She told how her father had been a “strong Iowa farm boy” who had been drafted to fight for his country in WWII.
“He always wore his World War II hat when he walked,” she continued.
Ken described his attacker as wearing pants with a blue checkered patten on them. Another witness said they had seen a man somewhere between the ages of 40-55 wearing black pants with blue squares in the general area.
“I want the guy found for peace of mind of the residents at the Regent, and I also want some kind of justification that my dad lost his life for,” Lydia added. “If it’s to get that guy help… that’s what my dad would want. That’s what needs to be done.”
Rest in peace, Ken, and thank you for your service.
My heart goes out to the family of this hero – he should never have lost his life like this.
Please, share this article if you, too, think Ken deserved better after his service to his country.
