A vigil was held and the White Sox honored a Buffalo Grove High School security guard being hailed a hero after he died after being hit by a pole while trying to shield students from a car crash.
Orlando Rivas, 52, of Buffalo Grove, died in the hospital on Friday after being involved in a crash outside Buffalo Grove High School, 1100 West Dundee Road in Buffalo Grove, last Tuesday.
The Buffalo Grove Police Department and Buffalo Grove Fire Department responded around 3:20 p.m. and found a car and a pedestrian, later identified as Rivas, involved at the entrance-exit to the parking lot off Dundee Road east of Arlington Heights Road.
Police said Rivas, a staff member of the high school, was suffering from life-threatening injuries.
The crash originated on school grounds as a dark-colored four-door sedan was attempting to exit the parking lot onto Dundee Road.
The vehicle left the roadway and struck a pole, which then struck Rivas, police officials said.
School officials said the incident occurred after school ended and cars were turning onto Dundee Road during dismissal.
Buffalo Grove police officers were on the scene “immediately” and provided emergency medical aid to Rivas before paramedics arrived, police officials said.
Rivas was transported to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge where he was in critical condition. Rivas died in the hospital on Saturday.
“Orlando Rivas represented the very best of our community,” Buffalo Grove Police Chief Brian Budds said.
“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. Our hearts are with his family, the students and staff of Buffalo Grove High School, and all those grieving this profound loss,” Budds said.
Buffalo Grove High School Principal Jeff Wardle said Rivas quickly became a trusted and familiar presence at our school, known for making students, families and visitors feel “welcomed, valued, and safe.”
“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,” Wardle said.
A vigil was held at Buffalo Grove High School on Saturday to pay tribute to Rivas and several people, including his oldest daughter, spoke.
Wardle said in a letter to the school community that Rivas was part of the campus safety team and was supervising students at the crosswalk.
“As the situation quickly unfolded, he took action to protect students standing nearby. Our entire Buffalo Grove High School community is holding him and his family close during an incredibly difficult time,” Wardle said.
The principal expressed gratitude for the “immediate response and support” from the school resource officer, the Buffalo Grove police and fire departments, other staff members, first responders and community members who provided aid.
“Their quick actions and care made a meaningful difference in a very difficult moment. Events like this can significantly impact students and staff,” Wardle said.
The Chicago White Sox said they were honoring Rivas for “heroically acting” to shield students during the crash.
Rivas was a father of four and the son of longtime White Sox chef Roy Vias. “Orlando’s selfless actions and commitment to protecting others will not be forgotten,” the White Sox said.
Support has been made available at school for any student who wishes to speak with a trusted staff member.
Dundee Road was shut down for approximately three and a half hours following the incident.
The Lake County Major Crash Assistance Team (MCAT) was activated to conduct a full investigation.
Police officials say the driver of the vehicle involved has been fully cooperating and has not been cited or arrested.
Village officials said Rivas is being remembered for the “extraordinary care and compassion” he brought to the high school community each day.
“In his final moments, his actions reflected a deep commitment to protecting others, and his act of quiet heroism will not be forgotten,” officials said. Rivas leaves behind his wife, Erin, and children.
Family friend Michelle Bolano said Rivas made a “split-second decision” when he shielded students, who he was helping cross the street, from a falling pole that was struck by a car.
“In that moment, as in all moments of his life up until now, he thought only of others. 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. He has a gift of connecting with everyone he meets so genuinely and with so much infectious joy,” Bolano said.
“While his passing leaves an immeasurable void for all who knew and loved him, his legacy will never fade. Orlando’s remarkable ability to connect with everyone he interacted with will never be forgotten. He was a light in the world for all that knew and loved him and he lived everyday of his life with a joyful spirit, unwavering selflessness, and enduring compassion for others,” she added.
A GoFundMe account was established to help his family with the unexpected expenses they now face. It has raised nearly $200,000 as of Tuesday.
The cause of the crash remains under active investigation by the Buffalo Grove Police Department Traffic Unit and MCAT.