SF Teacher and Coach Survives Brutal Train Robbery in Italy in Miraculous Recovery

Nicholas Pellegrino, a 29-year-old Catholic high school teacher and track coach from San Francisco, is recovering after a brutal train robbery near Milan, Italy, where he was stabbed in the neck. The incident occurred on July 15 while he was traveling to visit friends and family. Pellegrino noticed four men eyeing him before they attacked, stealing his belongings, including a crucifix. Bleeding heavily, he reached the platform of the next station and called for help, leading to paramedics arriving and rushing him to the hospital. Doctors reported that he lost over a liter of blood and grazed his jugular artery, which they described as a miraculous survival.

Authorities arrested four suspects shortly after the attack, connecting them to other crimes in the area. A GoFundMe campaign started by former students has raised over $43,000 to assist him with medical costs and to replace his stolen items. Pellegrino stated that the attack has deepened his faith, and he feels that divine intervention played a role in his survival.