Suburban Chicago high school guard dies after shielding students from car
A Buffalo Grove High School security guard who may have saved lives after quickly placing himself between students and an oncoming vehicle has died, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The security guard, identified by family as Orlando Rivas, sustained life-threatening injuries after the crash near the school campus. Rivas died Friday at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, the medical examiner’s office said.
“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 news release, in part. “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.”
Police said the incident happened around 3:20 p.m. Tuesday as students were being dismissed. A vehicle leaving the school parking lot veered off the roadway and struck a pole, which then fell and hit Rivas.
‘He’s a hero,’ family says
Rivas’ cousin, Keith Tennyson, said he acted instinctively to protect students in the moments before he was struck.
“He pushed the kids out of the way so that he risked his own life,” Tennyson said.
“He’s the kind of guy that if it was negative 20 degrees outside and you said you were cold, he’d give you his shirt,” the cousin added.
Family members said Rivas was a father of four and the sole provider for his household; he worked multiple jobs for years before taking the school position as a retirement job.
Community shows support
Rivas was taken to Advocate Lutheran General, where family members said dozens of relatives and friends gathered to support him.
At one point, as many as 30 people were at his bedside, offering prayers and encouragement.
Investigation underway
Buffalo Grove police called the incident tragic, saying it deeply impacted the school community.
The driver involved remained at the scene and was cooperating with investigators.
The investigation was ongoing as of Friday night.
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