Last week, a father of two tragically lost his life after selflessly assisting a group of ducklings in crossing a street in California, as reported by numerous eyewitnesses.
The unfortunate incident took place on May 18 at approximately 8 p.m. when Casey Rivara, a 41-year-old man, halted his vehicle at the junction of Park Drive and Standford Ranch Boulevard in Rocklin to ensure the safe passage of several ducklings.
According to a press release issued by the Rocklin Police Department, while Rivara was present in the intersection, he was struck by a teenage driver. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Several individuals bore witness to Rivara’s compassionate final act.
Jacob Johnson, 12, and his mother observed from their own vehicle as the 41-year-old brought traffic to a stop and aided the ducklings in crossing the road without harm.
“He stepped out of his vehicle and gently guided the ducks, and everyone applauded him for his kindness,” Jacob recounted to KCRA.
The 12-year-old captured multiple snapshots of the man assisting the ducks to ensure their safety.
“He assisted them in overcoming the curb since the tiny ducklings were struggling, and then he proceeded to walk ahead of our vehicle.”
A man’s final act of kindness is captured by William Wimsatt, 12, as the man helps a mama duck, ducklings safely cross a road in Rocklin. Moments later, a car hit and kills the Good Samaritan. My story coming up on @kcranews #rocklin #kcra pic.twitter.com/VRrPQGchzF
— Michelle Bandur KCRA (@MBandurKCRA) May 19, 2023
He recounted his mother lowering her car window to express gratitude for his act of kindness when suddenly, a vehicle struck him seemingly out of nowhere.
“I didn’t witness the car actually hitting him. I only recall the sound and then seeing him being flung across the intersection,” he recalled. “His shoes and one of his socks landed right in front of our car.”
Fortunately, his younger sister, who was also present in the car, remained focused on the ducks and did not witness the tragic incident. However, Rivara’s children, who were in a nearby vehicle, observed their father being struck.
William’s mother provided comfort to Rivara’s two young children in the immediate aftermath of the collision.
Following the devastating accident, another 12-year-old who observed the incident constructed an impromptu memorial to pay tribute to Rivara.
The child placed flowers and toy ducks near the intersection as a homage to the father who assisted the baby ducks in crossing the street.
“You should pay tribute to him because he displayed incredible kindness, and then something terrible happened to him,” the 12-year-old expressed. “He was an extraordinary person.”
The investigation into the accident is still ongoing. Presently, the driver has not been detained, and the authorities do not anticipate pressing charges.
Rewritten Source: https://www.theanimalclub.net/little-ones/father-of-two-struck-and-killed-by-teenage-driver-moments-after-ushering-baby-ducks-safely-across-the-street/