A father of two was killed last week moments after he safely guided a brood of ducklings across a California street, according to several witnesses.
The incident happened May 18 around 8 p.m. when a man identified as Casey Rivara, 41, stopped his vehicle at the intersection of Park Drive and Standford Ranch Boulevard in Rocklin to help several ducklings cross the road.
The Rocklin Police Department stated in a press release that as he was in the intersection a teenage driver struck him. He died at the scene.
Multiple people witnessed Rivara’s final act of kindness.
William Wimsatt, 12, and his mother watched from their own vehicle as the 41-year-old halted traffic and helped the baby ducks safely cross the road.
“He got out of the car and was shooing the ducks and everyone was clapping because he was being really nice,” William told KCRA.
The 12-year-old took several photos of the father ushering the ducks to safety.
“He helped them get up over the curb because all the little baby duckies were having trouble and then he walked in front of our car.”
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 recalled his mother rolling down her window to thank him for his kindness when moments later he was struck by a vehicle that seemed to come out of nowhere.
“I didn’t see the car actually hit him. All I remember is the sound and then him flying across the intersection,” he said. “His shoes and one of his socks were right in front of our car.”
Thankfully his little sister who was also in the car was focused on the ducks and didn’t witness the accident. However, Rivara’s children were in a nearby vehicle and watched their father get hit.
William’s mother comforted his two young children in the immediate aftermath of the accident.
Following the horrific accident, another 12-year-old who witnessed the accident created a makeshift memorial to honor Rivara.
The child laid flowers and rubber ducks near the intersection as a tribute to the father who helped the baby ducks cross the street.
“You should honor him because he was being really kind and then something horrible happened to him,” the 12-year-old said. “He was an amazing person.”
The accident is still under investigation. At this time the driver has not been arrested and police do not believe there will be any charges.
