Widow of dad Casey Rivara killed saving ducklings seeks memories for book

The widow of the California dad who was fatally struck by a car as he helped a family of ducks cross a busy road says she is “deeply touched” by all the support and asked people to share their thoughts about her husband for a new book.

“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,” Angel Chow, Rivara’s widow, wrote on Facebook.

“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.

“Considering the incredible stories shared by many of you, we want to capture all of those wonderful memories of Casey in a beautiful book, one that our children can turn to whenever they miss him,” Chow said.

“This book will serve as a lasting tribute to his life, showcasing the profound impact he had on those around him,” she added.

Rivara was tragically killed in the city of Rocklin, about 22 miles from Sacramento, around 8 p.m. Thursday when he left his car to usher the ducklings across traffic, according to a witness.

“He got out of the car and was shooing the ducks, and everyone was clapping because he was being really nice,” William Wimsatt told KCRA 3.

“He helped [the ducks] get up over the curb because all the little baby duckies were having trouble, and then he walked in front of our car,” the boy said.

Moments later, a car driven by a 17-year-old girl struck the good Samaritan.

“I didn’t see the car actually hit him. All I remember is the sound and then him flying across the intersection,” Wimsatt said.

The driver has been cooperating with authorities and was not facing any charges. DUI was not suspected.

A GoFundMe account that had raised more than $70,000 for the victim’s family as of Tuesday said Rivara was driving his two children – 11-year-old Sophia and a 6-year-old James – home after swim practice when tragedy struck.

“Casey met Angel, the love of his life, at age 17, when she joined his high school as an exchange student from Hong Kong,” the fund-raising post said. “They quickly fell madly in love and remained inseparable partners for the past 23 years.

“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,” it said.

“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,” the page added.

The owner of the nearby Rocklin Flower Shop said she’s noticed more accidents at the site of the tragedy since the coronavirus pandemic.

“Lots of people moved as a family to enjoy the area. It’s getting really crowded, and unfortunately, some people don’t pay attention when the animals pass [or where] kids are going. We need to watch more for people,” said the businesswoman, Roya Rouhizadeh, to ABC10.

“We need one of those signs that says ‘no turn’ because turning when the other light is green has been so dangerous,” she said.

“Myself or my husband, we’ve all been in that situation. We’re turning, and suddenly somebody comes to cut you off,” Rouhizadeh added.

Community resident Diane Myerson expressed her sorrow at the loss.

“Both lives were ruined — his and the person who hit him — so I think it’s terrible,” Myerson told the outlet.  “He was doing something nice, and he ended up dying for it. Nobody thinks that they get out to help an animal or a person that they’re going to be killed.”