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Casey Rivara, a 41-year-old California dad of two was fatally hit by a car on May 18 in Rocklin, while he was helping a group of ducks cross the road. A 17-year-old driver was behind the wheel of the car that struck him. Casey’s aunt, Tracey Rivara created a fundraiser page on GoFundMe to help the family during this difficult time.
The fundraiser goal was set at $30,000, but the family has been able to raise $75,495 with the help of 1,300 donations as of this writing.
On Thursday. Casey pulled over and got out of his vehicle at the intersection of Stanford Ranch Boulevard and Park Drive at around 8:15 pm local time to help the birds safely reach the other side of the street. A teenage driver moving eastbound on Stanford Ranch Boulevard suddenly hit the 41-year-old while he was heading back to his car.
Meet a little girl with a big heart RIGHT HERE
The father of two was pronounced dead on the spot of the collision. The Riverside Police Department said that the 17-year-old girl has not yet been arrested or charged, but an investigation is currently ongoing.
According to Tracy Rivara, Casey was driving his kids home after their swimming lessons when they spotted a mother duck and its ducklings trying to cross a busy intersection.
Aunt describes Casey Rivara as the "kindest" husband and father
Casey Rivara’s aunt, Tracey penned a note on the GoFundMe page about how her nephew met the love of his life, Angel, at the age of 17. Angel, who is originally from Hong Kong, joined Casey's high school as an exchange student.
The two quickly fell in love and remained inseparable for 23 years until his tragic death last week. He also left behind two beautiful children, James (6), and Sophia (11). Tracey mentioned that Casey had recently begun working at his children's school to remain even closer to them. He loved working there since he was able to create a positive impact on the children.
His aunt also wrote:
“Casey was the kindest, most amazing husband and father.”
She explained how the last thing he did before leaving this world proved that he had a compassionate heart. Tracey wrote that the family is still trying to find their footing and figuring out how to recover from this immense loss.
Tracey concluded:
“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.”
Casey Rivara's act of kindness was applauded by everyone in the area
A witness of the tragic accident, 12-year-old William Wimsatt told 3KCRA that Casey Rivara got out of his car and shooed the ducks. Everyone around clapped for him following his act of kindness. Shortly after the ducks safely made it to the other side of the road, Wimsatt said the man was struck by a car that seemed to have appeared out of nowhere.
The 12-year-old also added that Casey's shoes and one of his socks landed right in front of their car.
As per NBC News, on Sunday, Casey Rivara's wife Angel Chow said that the family had been deeply touched by the love and support they had received following her husband's death. She sent her heartfelt gratitude to everyone for their gestures of kindness and the supportive messages they had been sending her. Angel said that it was truly humbling to hear how her husband had positively impacted others' lives.
