Aimee Walker
A California man was tragically killed just moments after helping a family of ducks cross the road.
Dad of two Casey Rivara, 41, parked his car by the side of the road and helped a mother and her ducklings across an intersection on May 19.
Moments later, tragedy struck.
Find out more about the tragic incident in the clip below…
Rivara, who has been described as ‘kind’ and ‘compassionate’, was hit by a 17-year-old female driver and killed.
Heartbreakingly, his children, aged eleven and six, witnessed the tragedy from the family car.
Rivara’s devastated aunt, Tracey, has launched a GoFundMe page to help raise money for his wife, Angel.
More than $62,000 has been raised so far, with the goal being $30,000.
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In a tribute to her nephew, Tracey writes: “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.”
Tracey goes on to describe how Rivara met the love of his life while at high school aged 17.
She says ‘they quickly fell in love and remained inseparable partners for the past 23 years’.
The couple shared two children, Sophia and James.
Tracey continues: “His family was Casey’s world, and to remain even closer to them he had recently started working at their children’s school.
“He loved working at the school as he was able to positively impact other children.”
Rivara’s act of kindness was captured by 12-year-old William Wimsatt, who is a child of another driver.
The child tells 3KCRA: “He got out of the car, he was shooing the ducks, everyone was clapping because he was being really nice.
“He helped them get up on the curb because the baby duckies were having trouble.”
The Wimsatt family thanked the dad of two for his good deed but tragically, he was then killed moments later.
William Wimsatt recalls: “All I remember is the sound and then him flying across the intersection.
“His shoes and one of his socks were right in front of our car.”
He then adds: “He was the only person to get out of the car and try and help them and probably the nicest person in the entire area. It’s not fair.”
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The Wimsatt family has since contributed $1,000 to the Rivara family’s GoFundMe page.
A Placer County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson tells NBC News that the unnamed driver was cooperative and that it’s unlikely she will be charged over the death.
The police department has also released a statement which reads: “The driver remained at the scene of the collision.
“Emergency first responders arrived to assist, however, the man died at the scene. The Major Accident Investigation Team was activated and responded to the area.
“No arrest was made, and the incident is still under investigation.”
They add: “We would like to extend our condolences to all involved in this tragic event.”
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