In a recent news statement released by the Rocklin Police Department (RPD), a man identified by his family as Casey Rivara halted his vehicle at the junction of Park Drive and Stanford Ranch Boulevard on Thursday around 8:15 p.m. local time. His intention was to lend assistance to a group of animals attempting to cross the busy roadway safely.
Tragically, while Casey was standing in the road, a teenage driver traveling eastbound on Stanford Ranch Boulevard collided with him, resulting in his untimely death, according to RPD authorities.
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Upon arrival at the scene, emergency responders confirmed Casey’s passing. The motorist involved in the incident remained at the scene and was not detained or prosecuted.
An ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Rocklin Police Department to gather further details surrounding the accident. Casey’s aunt, who initiated a GoFundMe campaign to support the family, revealed that Casey was driving his children home from swim practice when they encountered a mother duck and her ducklings struggling to cross the intersection.
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Moved by their plight, Casey stepped out of his vehicle to aid the animals. Tragically, as he was returning to his car, he was struck by another vehicle, as stated by a family member in a post on the fundraising website. The GoFundMe page has amassed over $40,000 in donations as of Monday.
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Eyewitnesses, including a 12-year-old child, reported that the surrounding individuals had applauded Casey’s act of kindness before the unfortunate accident occurred.
As a makeshift tribute, flowers and rubber ducks were placed at the site of the incident on Friday.
Casey is survived by his beloved wife, Angel, whom he described as the love of his life, as well as their two beautiful children.
Described as a devoted family man, Casey had recently begun working at his children’s school to be even closer to them. His aunt expressed on the fundraising website that Casey cherished his role at the school, as it allowed him to positively impact the lives of other children.
A family member remarked that Casey was an extraordinary husband and father, known for his kindness. Even in his final moments, he demonstrated an expression of love through his selfless actions.
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