The widow of a hero father who was killed while helping ducklings crossing a busy road has broken her silence after the tragedy.
Casey Rivara, 41, died at the scene of the tragedy in Rocklin, California.
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The father was walking his two children home and parked his car on the side of the road to take the mummy duck and her ducklings to safety across the road on Friday evening.
However, after taking them to a safe place, he was run over by a car and killed seconds later.
Her helpless children, Sophia and James, aged 11 and 6, watched from the family car.
In a statement, his widow, Angel Chow, said: “We are deeply touched by the overwhelming love and support we have received for Casey Rivara and our family over the past few days.
“We want to express our heartfelt thanks to all of you for your kind messages and gestures of kindness.
“It’s truly humbling to hear how Casey has positively impacted your life and we are so grateful.”
Ms Chow also urged family and friends to share “lovely memories of Casey in a beautiful book that our children can refer to when they miss her.
“This book will serve as a lasting tribute to his life, showing the profound impact he had on those around him.”
In the book’s introduction, Mr Rivara is described as “the best husband, father, son and friend you could ever wish for”.
It goes on to urge friends and family to “help us remember Casey for his kindness, big heart and sense of humor.”
12-year-old William Wimsatt witnessed Casey’s final moments.
He told 3KCRA. “He got out of the car and was hitting the ducks and everyone was clapping because he was really kind.
“He helped them up over the curb because all the little ducklings were having trouble, and then he walked in front of our car.
“My mother rolled down the window and said, ‘good job, good job,’ and I told her, ‘good job,’ too.”
“Then right after that, the second after that…”
The young man was left gasping for words as he recalled the terrifying scene when the man was suddenly hit by a car.
He said. “All I remember is the sound, and then he’s flying across the intersection.
“His shoes and one of his socks were right in front of our car.”
Tragically, the man’s children also witnessed their father’s last moments.
It is reported that the driver of the car is a teenager.
The crash happened at a busy intersection about 22 miles northeast of Sacramento on May 18.
A Rocklin police representative said. “The Major Accident Investigation Team has been activated and responded to the area.
“Ambulance workers arrived to help, but the man died on the spot.
“The driver remained at the scene of the accident.
“No arrests have been made and the case is still under investigation.
“We would like to express our condolences to all the participants of this tragic event.”
Other local witnesses set up a makeshift memorial at the scene, with children decorating it with rubber ducks in tribute to their father.
On Casey’s behalf, her aunt Tracy Rivara has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for the family.
Writing on the website, Mrs Rivara paid tribute to her nephew. “Casey was the kindest, most wonderful husband and father. Even his last act in this world was a sign of his compassion.’
He added: “The family is trying to figure out how to recover and move on from this tremendous loss.”
His aunt wrote: “His family was Casey’s world, and to be closer to them, he had recently started working at their children’s school.
“He loved working at the school because he was able to make a positive impact on other kids.”
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