‘It’s a miracle’: San Francisco teacher stabbed on train in Italy returns to the US, recovering

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — A beloved teacher and track coach in San Francisco is back in the United States after surviving a horrific attack while visiting relatives in Milan, Italy.

Nicholas Pellegrino, 29, said he really is uplifted by the support from his students and community at Archbishop Riordan and that he’s looking forward to returning to school in the fall.

Pellegrino just flew from Milan back to New York on Thursday night, where he will be spending a few weeks with his parents in Staten Island.

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“I never saw my dad get emotional in my almost 30 years of life,” said Pellegrino of his parents’ reaction to him being home. “He was so thankful to know that I’m alive.”

Pellegrino was attacked on July 15 while on a train. He said four men on the train stabbed him in the neck.

“At first it’s the fear. Am I going to live? Then it’s the emotional reaction of ‘OK I made it,'” said Pellegrino. “When the nurses tell you that you lose, I lost, a liter-and-a-half of blood. It’s a miracle that I’m here now.”

Pellegrino said his left jugular vein was nicked but not fully severed.

“That was the grace of God alone that I’m ensured here.”

The devout Catholic and religious studies teacher was wearing a crucifix necklace while on the train and believes that might be why he was targeted by the group of men.

Since surviving, his faith is stronger than ever.

Pellegrino said after three days in the hospital, he was released and went straight to the basilica, falling to the floor and letting out all his emotions.

“I cried my eyes out in thanks,” said Pellegrino. “I went right to the Lord and I thanked him.”

Pellegrino is incredibly thankful to the support he’s received since his near bout with death.

A former student started a GoFundMe page for Pellegrino with a goal of $5,000, but as of Friday afternoon, it reached over $56,000.

“They really rallied,” said Pellegrino. “These kids are really rooting for me.”

Italian media outlets have reported that several suspects are in custody in connection with Pellegrino’s stabbing, adding those suspects were also involved in several other attacks and robberies all in the same week.