Over $140,000 raised for man who died helping ducks cross the road
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Featured Image Credit: KCRA 3
More than $140,000 has been raised for the family of a kind-hearted dad who died while helping a family of ducks cross the road.
Casey Rivara, 41, had parked his car by a crossroads on a Californian highway and got out when he saw a mum duck and her entourage of ducklings trying to cross the busy road.
He stood by the family to try and stop traffic so they could cross safely, eventually getting them across the road.
Devastatingly, Casey's kind-hearted gesture ended in tragedy. As he was walking back to his vehicle he was struck and killed by a car being driven by a 17-year-old.
Now, a GoFundMe page has been set up to raise money to support Casey's widow Ngating Chow and two children Sophia, 11, and James, 6.
His aunt Tracy Rivara set the page up, and paid tribute to her nephew, writing: "Casey was the kindest, most amazing husband and father. Even his last act in this world was a sign of his compassion. The family is trying to figure out how to recover and keep going after this immense loss. If you would like to express your love and support for Angel and her family, we ask that you please contribute here in lieu of flowers, meals, and other acts of kindness.
"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 GoFundMe page initially had a target of $30,000. However, at the time of writing it has already amassed more than $141,000 in donations.
Other families were present when Casey got out of the car for his good deed. One of them, 12-year-old William Wimsatt, filmed him helping the ducks cross the road and even offered him some thanks afterwards.
He told 3KCRA: "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."
Rubber ducks have since been placed at the scene as part of a memorial to the father of two.
The 17-year-old who was said to be involved in the crash remained at the scene of the incident and is believed to be assisting police with inquiries.
According to police, thought the investigation is ongoing, it's unlikely they will face criminal charges.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677
