California man killed after helping family of ducks cross road safely

Casey Rivara stopped his car at a red light to help the birds to safety, but was struck by another driver as he made his way back

Family members of a California man said it was no surprise his final act was one of compassion, after he exited his car at a busy intersection in order to help a mother duck and her ducklings cross the road but was himself struck and killed.

When he spotted the ducks, Casey Rivara stopped his car at a red light and got out to help them. Rivara made sure traffic in all directions was stopped, witnesses said, then escorted the duck and her babies to the other side of the street around 8.15pm last Thursday in Rocklin, north-east of Sacramento.