Hardy Krüger jr.: After his son's death, people crossed the street

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When a child dies, a parent's world falls apart — and the silent response of those around them often becomes a second burden. Actor Hardy Krüger jr. (58) spoke openly about this on an MDR talk show.

His son Paul Luca died in 2011 at just eight months old from sudden infant death syndrome. Together with his then-wife, the actor had to process the loss. Years later, he spoke on "Riverboat" about how friends, acquaintances, and passersby reacted during that time — and why he still blames no one.

"Most people simply crossed the street"

Those who ran into Krüger jr. on the street apparently preferred to cross to the other side. This is reported by Focus.de, citing the talk show appearance. Instead of comfort or words, there was silence — and evasive maneuvers.

Most people simply crossed the street.

80 percent out of helplessness, not coldness

Rather than condemning the people who withdrew, the 58-year-old seeks an explanation — and offers a surprisingly reconciliatory one. In around 80 percent of cases, the actor estimates, sheer helplessness was behind the retreat. Those who don't know how to deal with grieving people simply choose the evasive maneuver.

If you don't know how to deal with it, then you don't want to confront it as much — instead you say: 'Better just leave them in peace.'

A rare word on the worst day

Krüger jr. has only rarely spoken publicly about his son's death in recent years. The appearance on "Riverboat" is one of the few occasions on which he shares this experience — perhaps offering other affected parents an interpretation of why friends, colleagues, or neighbors suddenly turn away after the worst thing that can happen.