Widow of hero dad killed while helping ducklings cross road breaks silence after wave of ‘love and support’ over tragedy
The widow of the heroic father, who was killed while helping the ducklings cross a busy road, broke her silence after the tragedy.
Casey Rivara, 41, died at the scene of the tragedy in Rocklin, california.
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The father was driving his two children home and had parked by the side of the road to pick up the mother duck and her. duckling to safety across the street on a Friday night.
However, after cornering them to safety – he was defeated by a car and was killed a few seconds later.
His helpless children, Sophia and James, aged 11 and 6, watched from the family car.
In a statement, his widow, Angel Chow, said: “We are deeply moved by the immense love and support we have received for Casey Rivara and family over the past few days. .
“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all of you for your kind messages and gestures.
“It is truly humbling to know how positively Casey has impacted your life and we are so grateful for that.”
Ms Chow also urged family and friends to share “great memories of Casey in a beautiful book, one that our children can turn to whenever they miss him.
“This book will serve as a lasting tribute to his life, demonstrating the profound impact he had on those around him.”
In the book’s introduction, Mr. Rivara is described as “the best husband, father, son and friend anyone could wish for”.
It went on to urge friends and family to ‘help us remember Casey, with his kindness, kind heart and sense of humour’.
William Wimsatt, 12, witnessed Casey’s final moments.
I said 3KCRA: “He got out of the car and was driving away the ducks and everyone clapped because he was really nice.
“He helped them get up over the curb because all the ducklings were having a hard time and then he walked in front of our car.
“My mother rolled down the window and said, ‘Good job, good job’ and I said ‘Good job’ to him too.
“And then right after that, seconds later…”
The young man was left speechless as he recalled the horrifying scene when the man was suddenly hit by a car.
He said: “All I remember is the sound and then he flew over the intersection.
“His shoe and one of his socks were right in front of our car.”
Tragically, the man’s children also witnessed their father in his final moments.
The driver of the vehicle was a teenager, it was reported.
The accident happened at a busy intersection about 22 miles northeast of the city. Sacramento on May 18.
Rocklin’s spokesperson police “The major accident investigation team has been activated and responded to the area,” said a statement.
“Rescue crews came to help, but the man died on the spot.
“The driver is still at the scene of the collision.
“No arrests have been made and the case is still under investigation.
“We would like to extend our condolences to all involved in this tragic event.”
Other local witnesses created a makeshift memorial at the site of the incident, with children decorating it with rubber ducks in memory of the father.
ONE GoFundMe page was created on behalf of Casey by his aunt Tracey Rivara to raise money for his family.
Writing on the page, Ms. Rivara pays tribute to her grandson: “Casey is the best, most wonderful husband and father. Even his last act in this world is a sign of his compassion.”
She added: “The family is trying to find a way to recover and move on from this tremendous loss.”
His aunt wrote: “His family is Casey’s world, and to be closer to them, he recently started working at their children’s school.
“He enjoys working at school because he can have a positive impact on other kids.”
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