A Northern California motorist who stopped to help a family of ducks safely cross the road was beaten and killed by a teenage driver, authorities said Monday.
The horrific crash happened Thursday around 8:15 p.m. PDT near the corner of Park Drive and Stanford Ranch Road in Rocklin, about 25 miles northeast of the state capital Sacramento, Rocklin police said.
The man was “trying to help some ducklings that were in the intersection” when the younger driver, heading east on Stanford Ranch, fatally struck him, according to a police statement.
The ducks were not harmed.
The 17-year-old girl behind the wheel remained on the scene and, as the investigation continues, it is unlikely she will face criminal charges, Rocklin Police Capt. Scott Horrillo said.
“We still have a lot of areas and evidence to review, but at first glance it doesn’t look like there is going to be criminal negligence,” Horrillo told NBC News.
The victim was identified as 41-year-old Casey Rivara, a Placer County Sheriff’s spokesman said.
The tragedy unfolded in front of neighbors who applauded Rivara’s kind efforts, a 12-year-old boy told NBC Sacramento affiliate KCRA.
“He got out of the car and he was shooing the ducks away and everyone was clapping because he was being so nice,” the boy said. “She helped them up to the sidewalk because all the ducklings were having trouble and then she walked. in front of our car.”
The man’s widow, Angel Chow, said she was moved by the outpouring of condolences.
“We have been deeply touched by the overwhelming love and support we have received for Casey Rivara and our family these past few days,” he said on announced Sunday night. “We want to express our sincerest gratitude to all of you for the kind messages and kind gestures. It is truly sobering to hear how Casey has positively impacted your lives, and we are extremely grateful for that.”
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com