Oak Forest Family Reels After Dad Of 3, 'Go-To Guy' Struck On Motorcycle

OAK FOREST, IL — It's not like Cesar Rivera to sit still.

The 38-year-old father of three and semi-truck driver for UPS is always moving—work, kids' extracurriculars, being there for family. Rivera is his family's "go-to guy," wife Kim told Patch. Things look different now, though, as Rivera, seriously injured when he was struck by a vehicle while on his motorcycle earlier this month, faces months of recovery.

"Being in that hospital bed, that’s not my husband," said wife Kim Rivera. "He’s never one to sit down and do nothing.

"He’s always doing something for somebody, whether it’s my mom, his mom, his family. That’s just the kind of guy he is, he’s not going to tell you to wait."

Rivera had been visiting family in Park Forest and was headed northbound on Cicero Avenue around 5 p.m. Nov. 4, when he was struck by a southbound pick-up truck making a left turn into the Fieldcrest subdivision, just north of 167th Street. He suffered a broken pelvis, ruptured bladder, fractured skull, broken left arm, and other injuries to his back, Kim Rivera told Patch. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

"Unfortunately, no," Rivera said, when asked if he was wearing a helmet.

"He's got a collection of them," she said, but was not wearing one that day.

An accident report notes the driver of the pick-up truck was making an improper left turn leading to the accident, said Oak Forest Police Chief Jason Reid, but no citations had been issued as of earlier this week.

Meanwhile, Rivera awaits news on her husband's condition and projected recovery. The Oak Forest residents have children ages 15, 11 and 4 years old—the elder two have a better grasp of what's happening, but the 4-year-old is confused.

Rivera is not one to be helpless—he's the one doing the helping. He had been bringing his ill parents Gatorade and other wellness supplies just before the accident that day.

"My husband is the type, he takes care of everybody," Rivera said. "Everybody who knows him, knows that.

"... he’s a beast. He can overcome this, but right now he’s struggling mentally and emotionally because of the reality of it all."

Both 38 years old, the two met as teenagers in Park Forest, as students at Rich East High School. They've been together 18 years, and married for 12, Rivera said.

"My husband, he’s a very hands-on, involved dad," Rivera said. "I’ve been a stay-at-home mom for the last 10 years. He works endlessly for this family, whether he’s at an activity, or supporting sports."

Cesar spent a week in intensive care at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, his condition critical but stable, family said in a GoFundMe for the Riveras. The unknown is difficult for his family to process, Rivera said. Kim's sister Amanda Thrasher praised her brother-in-law on the fundraiser, stressing the type of man he is.

"He is a remarkably kind, selfless and generous man," she wrote. "Cesar always shows up for his family and friends. Always. I do not exaggerate when I tell you he has the biggest heart and treats everyone like family. He's the guy that looks out for everyone, and will be at your house the same day if you need anything.

"He's the guy who's going to notice you struggling on the side of the road with car problems, whether it's rain, snow, or sunshine he's going to pull over even with his whole family in tow to help you get on your way (he's actually done this). He lives his life believing it is our duty to help others, and that good fortune will be returned."

Rivera said he's shown her consistency from a male figure in her life—something she didn't experience as a child.

"He’s the type, he puts me first, our family first," Rivera said. "I grew up in a household without a dad, I didn’t know what it was like to have that male figure.

"My husband is a provider, the protector, the true definition of it all."

It could be six months before Rivera is able to walk again, family wrote in the GoFundMe. Kim says she's still waiting for additional clarity from doctors; Rivera is often in and out of it, with some difficulty speaking clearly.

The GoFundMe is intended to help offset financial loss and expenses while Rivera is recovering, as well as assist with medical bills as they come in. It's anticipated that he will need to be moved to a rehabilitation facility, Kim said, and the cost of that is not yet known.

"If we have to come out of pocket some, for him to have the best, we'll do that," Kim said, "because he deserves the best.

"... He’s the good in this world, the good this world needs so badly."