A “kind and wonderful” father of two was hit and killed by a car after getting out of his vehicle to help a family of ducks cross a busy intersection in California.
Casey Rivara, 41, was walking her children home after swim practice when they noticed a duck and her ducklings struggling to cross, according to her aunt Tracey Rivara.
Mr. Rivara parked his car at the Rocklin Intersection, about 20 miles northeast of Sacramento, and managed to get the small animals safely through while people nearby cheered.
But as he was walking back to his vehicle he was shot, according to the relative.
Casey Rivara. Photo: GoFundMe
Mr Rivara was “trying to help some ducklings who were at a crossroads” when a young motorist fatally ran him down on the road, police said.
The victim died instantly. The ducks were unhurt in the crash.
The 17-year-old behind the wheel remained at the scene and, while the investigation was ongoing, it was unlikely she would face criminal charges, Rocklin Police Captain Scott Horrillo said.
“We still have a lot of areas and evidence to look into, but at first glance it doesn’t look like there will be any criminal malpractice,” Captain Horrillo told NBC News.
The tragedy unfolded in front of locals who applauded Mr. Rivara’s kind efforts, a 12-year-old boy told NBC Sacramento affiliate station KCRA.
“Everyone was clapping because he was really nice”
“He got out of the car and he was shooing ducks and everyone was clapping because he was really nice,” the boy said.
“He helped them up to the curb because all the little goslings were having trouble and then he walked past our car.”
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Mr Rivara’s widow said she and her family were “deeply touched by the overwhelming love and support” they received.
In a statement, Angel Chow wrote on Facebook: “We want to express our sincere 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 are extremely grateful.”
A GoFundMe page was set up by Mr. Rivara’s aunt to raise money for the family after Thursday night’s tragedy.
She wrote, “Casey has been 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 move forward after this immense loss.”
