SAN CLEMENTE : Man Killed Helping Motorist Was a Marine

The good Samaritan who was killed early Saturday while helping a stalled motorist on Interstate 5 in San Clemente was identified Sunday as Marine Sgt. Alaric Richardson, 32, of Texas.

The Gulf War veteran was struck and killed by two cars as he attempted to push an Irvine woman’s disabled car out of the way of traffic. Richardson, who joined the Marines 12 years ago, had begun classes at the Drill Instructor’s School in San Diego just four days before the fatal accident.

Officials said the recipient of the Navy Achievement Medal would have graduated from the program by March.

“He loved being a Marine. He wanted to do something for his country,” said his father, Paul Richardson.

Born in Malakoff, Tex., Richardson was transferred to the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station four years ago and served as a aircraft fuel specialist. The youngest of five children, Richardson was lauded for his giving and carefree spirit.

“He would constantly help people,” said his father. “He was a loving young man.”

But his willingness to help others cost his life.

At 4:25 a.m. on Saturday, Richardson stopped his car on the right shoulder of the freeway after noticing that a car being driven by Jennifer Yu, 20, of Irvine, had stopped in the fast lane. He crossed the lanes and told the driver to shift into neutral so the car could be pushed to safety.

In the darkness, an approaching car clipped Yu’s vehicle, officials said. The force of the impact knocked Richardson into the freeway, where he was struck by two other vehicles.

Richardson died at the scene.

Authorities said Sunday that no arrests have been made.