Groom killed while helping stranded motorist just hours after his wedding

An Illinois woman went from being a newlywed to a widow in just a few hours after her new husband was tragically killed while helping a stranded motorist after their wedding.

William Riley Knight was driving from the reception to a hotel with his wife, Nikki, late Saturday night when he stopped to help a woman whose car had slid off the road in the snow, according to the Lake County (Ind.) Sheriff's office.

"He said, 'We’ve got to stop. It’s late and they need help,'" Nikki Knight told the Chicago Sun-Times. “He was the type of person who was willing to put himself on the line and support you no matter what."

The bride stayed in the vehicle while the groom went out to help.

Police say William Knight and the woman, 42-year-old Linda Darlington, were both struck and killed by another vehicle. Two other cars following the first also hit the pair, police said.

According to the Sun-Times, Nikki, a registered nurse, said she heard a loud thud and went out to help, but it was too late.

Knight and Darlington were pronounced dead at the scene. The Lake County Coroner’s office said both died of blunt force trauma.

All drivers involved in the incident remained at the scene, police said. According to the sheriff’s office, no charges have been filed.

William Knight, a retired U.S. Army Ranger, is survived by two daughters, a stepdaughter and a stepson.

His bride says she's still in shock.

“It’s a blur," she said.