The widow of a father who was tragically killed after he helped a family of ducks cross the road has spoken out about the incident.
The father, who has been named as Casey Rivara was with his family on a California highway when he noticed a family of ducks, including several ducklings, trying to cross the busy road.
Showing his kind-hearted nature, Rivara pulled over and assisted the ducks to the other side of the road and was applauded by onlookers who also filmed the good deed.
Tragically, before he could get back into his vehicle where his kids were watching on, he was struck by a 17-year-old driver and was killed at the scene, as reported by CBS 13.
The incident took place on Friday (May 19) at Park Drive and Stanford Ranch Boulevard in Rocklin.
As reported by the Metro, his widow, Angel Chow, has released a statement on behalf of herself and the couple's children, aged 11 and six.
Chow said: "We have been deeply touched by the overwhelming love and support we’ve received for Casey Rivara and our family in these past few days.
"We want to express our heartfelt 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’re extremely grateful for that."
The incident was witnessed by 12-year-old William Wimsatt who was recording the father helping the birds safely across the busy highway.
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."
Rivara spoke to William and his family after helping the ducks and they thanked him for being so kind-hearted, but moments later, the father of two was struck by a vehicle.
William continued: "All I remember is the sound and then him flying across the intersection. His shoes and one of his socks were right in front of our car. He was the only person to get out of the car and try and help them and probably the nicest person in the entire area. It’s not fair."
Police have revealed that the 17-year-old involved in the collision remained at the scene and was assisting with the investigation, and it is unlikely that she will face any further charges.
Summer Peterson, who also watched the crash with her children, has since created a memorial at the site where residents have left flowers and rubber ducks as a nod to his last act of kindness.
Speaking to CBS 13, Summer said: "They [her children] were saying, 'Oh, it's so cute. It's so nice of him.' And then all of a sudden he was hit by a car.
"My son wanted to bring rubber duckies and flowers to this gentleman who lost his life, he was a father."
Following the tragedy, a GoFundMe page was set up to support Rivara's family, and at the time of writing it has raised over $60,000.
Our thoughts continue to be with all those affected by this tragedy.
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