Clint Hill, the Secret Service agent who heroically leaped onto JFK’s car in a desperate bid to save the president after he was shot, passes away at 93.

"Clint Hill, JFK's Heroic Secret Service Agent, Dies at 93"

Clint Hill, the Secret Service agent who jumped onto JFK's limousine during the assassination, has died at 93, haunted by those memories.

Emily Johnson25 February 2025Last Update : 8 hours ago

Clint Hill, Secret Service agent who leaped onto JFK's car after the president was shot, dies at 93

apnews.com

Clint Hill, the Secret Service agent known for jumping onto President John F. Kennedy’s limousine during the assassination on November 22, 1963, has died at the age of 93. Hill passed away on February 24, 2025, at his home in Belvedere, California, as confirmed by his publisher. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

6 Key Takeaways

Clint Hill has passed away at 93.
He leaped onto JFK's limousine during assassination.
Haunted by memories, he retired early.
Hill later accepted his role in events.
Co-authored books about Secret Service experiences.
Received North Dakota's Theodore Roosevelt Award.

Fast Answer: Clint Hill, a former Secret Service agent who famously leaped onto JFK’s limousine during the president’s assassination in 1963, died at 93. He had long struggled with memories of that tragic day and retired early due to depression related to the event.

Clint Hill was born in 1932 in Washburn, North Dakota. After serving in the Army and working as a railroad agent, he joined the Secret Service in 1958. On the day of Kennedy’s assassination in Dallas, Texas, Hill was assigned to protect First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy and was riding behind their limousine when shots were fired. His quick reaction was captured on film as he jumped onto the trunk of the car to assist Mrs. Kennedy.

Despite receiving awards for his bravery that day and later advancing within the Secret Service ranks to become an assistant director, Hill struggled with guilt over failing to save President Kennedy. In interviews throughout his life, he expressed regret about not reacting quickly enough during those critical moments.

Hill retired from the Secret Service at age 43 due to deep depression linked to his experiences.
He authored several books reflecting on his time with JFK and other presidents.
In recent years, Hill began discussing his experiences more openly as part of his healing process.

In addition to writing memoirs like “Between You and Me,” which he co-authored with Lisa McCubbin Hill—whom he married in 2021—he also became a sought-after speaker on topics related to presidential security and historical events surrounding JFK’s presidency. A private funeral service is planned for Washington D.C., but details have yet to be announced.

Notice: Canadian readers may find it interesting that Clint Hill’s story reflects significant historical ties between Canada and U.S. presidential history during this era.

The legacy of Clint Hill lives on through both his contributions to presidential security and his poignant reflections on one of America‘s most tragic days. His actions during JFK’s assassination remain a powerful reminder of duty under extreme circumstances.