People have flocked to offer their support to the family of a man who was killed while helping a family of ducks cross a busy road, as over $60,000 has been raised in his memory.
Casey Rivara showed his kind-hearted nature on Friday (May 19), as he pulled over on a busy California highway to help a family of ducks cross the road safely.
His family, including his widow and two children aged 11 and six, watched on from their vehicle as he got the ducklings and their mother safely to the other side of the highway.
On his way back to his car, Rivara was tragically hit by a 17-year-old driver and he was declared dead at the scene, as reported by CBS News.
Following the heartbreaking tragedy, a GoFundMe page was set up in Rivara's memory and it has since raised over $60,000 from an intended target of $30,000.
The page was set up by Tracy Rivara, the aunt of the father-of-two, and she penned details about the incident as well as explaining how her nephew met the love of his life.
Tracy wrote: "Casey met Angel, the love of his life, at age 17, when she joined his high school as an exchange student from Hong Kong. They quickly fell madly in love and remained inseparable partners for the past 23 years. They have been blessed with two beautiful children, Sophia (11) and James (6).
"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."
The heartbroken aunt went on to describe her nephew as "the kindest, most amazing husband and father," and that his final act being one of kindness sums up who he truly was.
The family is currently still coming to terms with the loss of Rivara, and the fundraising page is for well-wishers to offer their support.
Other families were on the scene when the tragedy happened, including 12-year-old William Wimsatt who was filming the good deed before speaking to Rivara and offering him his thanks.
Speaking to 3KCRA, William said: "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."
A memorial has since been set up at the site of the tragedy where flowers and rubber ducks have been placed as a touching tribute to the father-of-two's heroic act.
The 17-year-old involved in the crash remained at the scene and is assisting police with their investigation, and it is believed that no charges will be issued.
Our thoughts remain with Rivara's loved ones.
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