Beloved Father of 4 and High School Security Guard Dies After Shielding Students from a Falling Pole

NEED TO KNOW

• Orlando Rivas shielded students from a falling pole caused by a car crash near Buffalo Grove High School

• The beloved security guard and father of four was remembered for his selflessness and courage by loved ones and colleagues

• A GoFundMe in his honor has raised over $180K, far surpassing its original $10K goal

Friends, family and loved ones of Orlando Rivas are remembering the beloved father of four after his heroic final act.

The 52-year-old security guard at Buffalo Grove High School in Buffalo Grove, Ill., was struck by a falling pole on Tuesday, April 21, while shielding students from a collision as they were crossing the street.

Police shared in a press release that around 3:20 p.m., a car was leaving the school parking lot, left the road and hit a pole. The pole fell, striking Rivas. He was rushed to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital.

In what loved ones called a “split-second decision,” Rivas witnessed a car colliding with the pole before blocking the students from being crushed by the falling metal, according to a GoFundMe page set up in Rivas' honor verified by PEOPLE.

“In that moment, as in all moments of his life up until now, he thought only of others,” the page's organizer, Michelle Bolano, wrote. “Orlando's actions were not part of a job description, they were a reflection of the extraordinary courage, selflessness, and care for others that defines the way Orlando lives his life.”

In the hospital, Rivas underwent emergency surgery. He was in a coma for three days before he ultimately succumbed to his brain injuries.

The Cook County Coroner confirmed to PEOPLE that Rivas died on Friday, April 24 at 2:04 p.m. local time. An official cause of death has not been named at this time.

The GoFundMe page confirmed the sad news, with Bolano writing, “After fighting with incredible strength for the last 3 days, Orlando is at rest now. While his passing leaves an immeasurable void for all who knew and loved him, his legacy will never fade.”

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Rivas is survived by his wife, Erin, and four children, ages 4 to 30. ABC7 reports that he was the son of Chicago White Sox chef Roy Rivas.

The crash remains under investigation by the BGPD Traffic Unit, with assistance from the Major Crash Assistance Team. The driver has not been cited or arrested, police shared.

"Orlando Rivas represented the very best of our community," Police Chief Brian Budds said in a press release obtained by PEOPLE. "His dedication to the safety and well-being of students and staff was evident every day, and his final act speaks volumes about his character.”

Buffalo Grove High School and the police department are offering support resources for students and staff who need it in the wake of the incident.

“Mr. Rivas quickly became a trusted and familiar presence at our school, known for making students, families, and visitors feel welcomed, valued, and safe," Principal Jeff Wardle said in a statement. "His life was defined by service to others and a continued commitment to supporting and guiding young people. Life without him will be less bright."

The GoFundMe in Rivas' honor has raised more than $180K, far surpassing the $10K goal.

Read the original article on People