American religious studies teacher survives horrific migrant attack while vacationing in Italy
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

A former high school track star and current San Francisco religion teacher was brutally attacked while vacationing in Italy earlier this month. 

Nicholas Pellegrino, who teaches religious studies and Spanish at Archbishop Riordan High School, according to the school’s website, was attacked by three individuals on a train just south of Milan on July 15.

“I would look up, and they would look away, but then they’d continue to look back and eye me out,” Pellegrino recounted to the Staten Island Advance.

He said he suspected the men “were up to no good.” Pellegrino said he had his head down for just a moment when the men suddenly charged at him, stabbing him in the neck during the struggle and taking his luggage. 

Nicholas Pellegrino, 29

Nicholas Pellegrino, a religion teacher, survived a violent attack on an Italian train, where assailants stabbed his neck and stole his luggage, passport and gold cross.  (Nick Pellegrino Facebook)

The San Francisco Chronicle reported that four suspects from Morocco and Tunisia were arrested several hours later at another train station about an hour from the crime scene. Authorities believe these same individuals may also be connected to a separate assault on a taxi driver and possibly another attempted robbery on a train.

After several days in the hospital, Pellegrino was released. Though his personal belongings were lost, he remains deeply thankful.

“My life from this day forward is a miracle,” he told the Staten Island Advance. “I’ve been saved by the right hand of the almighty Father.”

According to the Staten Island Advance, Pellegrino taught Italian and served as a track and field coach at Monsignor Farrell High School in the Oakwood section of Staten Island, New York, from 2017 to 2022. 

He is also an alumnus of Farrell, where he was referred to as a “standout athlete on the track team.” 

Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Texas man charged with attempting to provide material support to ISIS in federal terrorism case

Texas Resident Faces Charges for Alleged Attempt to Support ISIS in Federal Terrorism Investigation

A man from Texas has been charged in a federal court for…
Tennessee officers rescue woman considering jumping from bridge on day after Christmas

Heroic Tennessee Officers Save Woman from Bridge in Post-Christmas Rescue

The following article addresses the sensitive topic of suicide. If you or…
Feds launch 'massive' investigation after viral video alleges Minnesota daycare fraud

Federal Authorities Initiate Major Investigation Following Viral Video on Minnesota Daycare Fraud Allegations

Federal authorities launched an extensive investigation in Minnesota on Monday, prompted by…
What to do on New Year's Eve 2025: Chicago officials share new details for 2026 Loop event featuring Chance the Rapper

Ring in 2026: Chicago’s Epic New Year’s Eve Bash with Chance the Rapper in the Loop

CHICAGO (WLS) — Excitement is building in Chicago as city officials unveil…
$400,000 worth of lobster stolen on way to Costco stores

Thieves Make Off with $400K in Lobsters Destined for Costco Shelves

The logistics firm tasked with securing a driver for the delivery suspects…
Taylor Swift leaves stadium worker in tears over remarkable generosity

Taylor Swift’s Heartfelt Gesture Moves Stadium Employee to Tears

Taylor Swift has once again demonstrated that her generosity off the stage…
Volodymyr Zelensky says US is offering Ukraine 15-year security guarantee in latest peace plan

US Proposes 15-Year Security Guarantee for Ukraine in New Peace Plan, Says President Zelensky

In a recent development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that the United…
George Clooney becomes a French citizen despite language struggles

George Clooney Embraces French Citizenship: Overcoming Language Barriers for a New Identity

George Clooney has embraced his new status as a French citizen, although…