Aimee Walker
A California man was tragically killed just moments after helping ducklings cross a busy road.
Dad-of-two Casey Rivara, 41, was described as kind and compassionate by those who knew him.
After hearing of the tragic loss, tributes have poured in on social media.
One person writes: “So sad but what a lovely, caring man.”
A second person pens: “RIP gentle soul.”
“An act of kindness and tragedy, so sad for this lovely man’s family,” comments another.
Casey’s wife, Angel Chow, also paid tribute in a statement.
It reads: “We have been deeply touched by the overwhelming love and support we’ve received for Casey Rivara and our family in these past few days.
“We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all of you for the kind messages and gestures of kindness.
“It’s truly humbling to hear how Casey has positively impacted your lives, and we’re extremely grateful for that.”
Chow also encouraged friends and family to share ‘wonderful memories of Casey in a beautiful book, one that our children can turn to whenever they miss him.’
Casey’s passing unfolded in May 2023, in Rocklin, California, when he parked his car by the side of the road so he could help a family of ducks cross an intersection.
A child of another driver, who witnessed the dad’s act of kindness, recounted the event to KCRA 3: “He got out of the car and was shooing the ducks and everyone was clapping because he was being really nice.
“He helped them get up over the curb because all the little baby duckies were having trouble and then he walked in front of our car.”
The heartwarming moment was shattered just moments later, as Casey was hit by a car being driven by a teenager.
Summer Peterson, whose children reportedly saw the incident unfold, told CBS 13: “They were saying, ‘Oh, it’s so cute. It’s so nice of him.’ And then all of a sudden he was hit by a car.”
A Placer County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson informed NBC News that the unnamed driver was cooperative and that it’s unlikely the 17-year-old would be charged over the death.
The representative told the news outlet: “We still have a lot of areas and evidence to sort through, but at first look, it does not look like there’s going to be any criminal negligence.”
Casey’s aunt, Tracey Rivara, launched a GoFundMe following the tragedy, aiming to raise funds for his wife and two children.
On the fundraiser page, she wrote: “Casey was the kindest, most amazing husband and father. Even his last act in this world was a sign of his compassion.
“The family is trying to figure out how to recover and keep going after this immense loss. If you would like to express your love and support for Angel and her family, we ask that you please contribute here in lieu of flowers, meals, and other acts of kindness.”
You can donate to the fundraiser here.
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