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
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…
Trump welcomes Zelenskyy for talks, asserts Russia and Ukraine both want peace, however elusive

Trump Hosts Zelenskyy: Asserts Mutual Desire for Peace Amid Ongoing Russia-Ukraine Tensions

PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — On Sunday, President Donald Trump expressed optimism…
FILE - Marching bands perform along Colorado Blvd. in the 136th Rose Parade, in Pasadena, Calif., Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)

Potential Rain Threatens to Dampen New Year’s Day Rose Parade Celebrations

For the first time in two decades, rain might disrupt the Rose…
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…
The sky-high apartment building in Southern city  that bucks the trend

Defying Gravity: The Remarkable Sky-High Apartment Tower Transforming Southern City Living

Houston’s skyline, already a testament to architectural ambition, has welcomed a striking…
3 takeaways from the Trump-Zelensky meeting at Mar-a-Lago

Key Insights from the Trump-Zelensky Mar-a-Lago Meeting: Diplomatic Discussions Unveiled

In a significant diplomatic encounter, former President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President…
Anthony Joshua is injured in car crash in Nigeria

Anthony Joshua Survives Shocking Car Crash in Nigeria: Latest Updates on His Recovery

Anthony Joshua, the renowned former heavyweight world champion, recently found himself in…
How to enjoy 6 Starbucks drinks without all the calories and fat

Discover Low-Calorie Starbucks Swaps: 6 Guilt-Free Drinks to Savor

The arrival of ‘red cup season’ is a highly anticipated event for…