Secret Service agent who leapt onto JFK’s car during his assassination has died aged 93

The Secret Service agent who leapt on to John F Kennedy’s limousine at the point of the former president’s assassination, has died at the age of 93.

Clint Hill, who later became a bestselling author, passed away at his home in Belvedere, California, according to a statement by his publicist.

He was famously pictured in one of the most dramatic events in US history, as the vehicle came under fire in Dallas in 1963. 

Mr Hill was haunted for decades by guilt over the death, convinced that he could have done more to save JFK.

No cause of death has yet been given.

Wife’s moving tribute

Mr Hill met journalist Lisa McCubbin in 2009 and collaborated on a bestselling memoir, Mrs Kennedy and Me. It was the first of a series of books and the pair gradually fell in love, eventually marrying in 2021.

His wife, who was by his side as he passed away, posted a moving message on Instagram: “From the moment we met, there was an undeniable spark between us.

“We had that once-in-a-lifetime love that everyone hopes for – a relationship filled with passion, respect, admiration, and the pure joy of being together. I am eternally grateful for every day and every moment of the past 15 years we shared. To us, forever. Rest in Peace my Sweet Prince.”

Elite agent

Born in North Dakota, Mr Hill served in the Army prior to joining the Secret Service in 1958.

He worked in the agency’s Denver office for about a year before joining the elite group of agents assigned to protect the president and first family.

Follow-up vehicle

On 22 November 1963, he was assigned to protect John F Kennedy’s wife, Jacqueline, and was riding on the left running board of the follow-up car, directly behind the couple’s limousine, when the first shot rang out.

He immediately rushed towards their vehicle and started to climb on to the back of the limousine as the shooting continued.

Hill’s actions during the assassination were captured on film and have become one of the most watched recordings of the shocking incident.

Protected the president’s wife

Mr Hill told the Warren Commission enquiry that he reacted after hearing a shot and seeing the president slump in his seat. The president was struck by a fatal head-shot before Hill was able to make it to the limousine.

He grabbed a handle on the limousine’s trunk and pulled himself on to it as the driver accelerated away. He forced Jackie Kennedy, who had crawled on to the trunk, back into her seat.

Huge responsibility

The video footage showed a terrified First Lady reaching out to grab his hand as they both saw the president’s slumped body in the car.

Mr Hill was then tasked with helping move the body to Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas and was also responsible for buying a casket and ensuring its safe transportation back to the White House.

Forced to retire

He was given an award for his actions and over time rose to become assistant director of the Secret Service.

Nevertheless, the trauma he experienced during the assassination led him to retire early from the agency in 1975, at just 43-years-old, following advice from his doctors.

Blamed self

Mr Hill became convinced that he could have saved Kennedy’s life and shortly after his retirement he said felt responsible. “If I had reacted about five-tenths of a second faster, maybe a second faster, I wouldn’t be here today,” he said.

When asked if he meant by that he would have taken the shot for the president he immediately responded: “Yes, sir… that would have been fine with me and I have a great deal of guilt about that because had I turned in a different direction, I’d have made it – it’s my fault.”

Public speaker

Later in his incredible life Mr Hill turned to public speaking, re-living his remarkable story and life-changing experience. In 2018, he was given the state of North Dakota’s highest civilian honour, the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider award.

The 1993 Clint Eastwood thriller In The Line Of Fire, about a former Secret Service agent scarred by the JFK assassination, was inspired in part by Mr Hill.

A private funeral service will be held in Washington DC on a date still to be announced.