EXCLUSIVE: Family remembers father hit & killed by car in Dinuba

DINUBA, Calif. (KFSN) -- Alfonso Rios was a musician, a brother, a friend, a father and a grandfather. His daughter, Mariana Rios, tells Action News more than anything, he was their king.

"His kindness, his love, his heart, like no other," said Mariana.

Mariana says her dad was someone who put everyone else's needs ahead of his own.

"Compassionate, more than anything, his smile, you could see his eyes light up," said Mariana.

Friday morning in Dinuba, a driver hit Rios and his granddaughter just feet away from their home, while they were walking back from school.

"My dad, unfortunately, didn't make it, my baby she's alive, thank god she's alive," said Mariana.

Now, a growing memorial remains at Crawford Avenue and Terrace Drive where the crash happened.

Mariana says her daughter is only four years old and spending time with her granddad on their walks, was their special time together.

"He had so much love for all of his grandchildren, for all of his family, but It was an honor for me to see him walk hand in hand with my daughters," said Mariana.

His favorite drinks, belts, hats, and guitar are just a few ways she plans to remember her patriarch.

Alfonso Rios was a musician, a brother, a friend, a father and a grandfather. His daughter tells me more than anything, he was their king.

But she says one thing he always taught her, "Echale ganas, Echale ganas, don't give up, don't give up."

Knowing her dad never gave up on saving her daughter.

"The sacrifice that he did even in his last moment to protect the life of my daughter -- again that compassion, that love," said Mariana.

While Rios is gone, she knows he will never be forgotten.

"I'm so thankful that we didn't have to wait for a moment like this for my dad to know that he was loved, he knew, he was loved," said Mariana.

And now she just wants her king to know how much he meant to her.

"I love him more than anything, and I miss him and that I wish he was here so that I could hug him and tell him that I love him," said Mariana.

Rios was 72.

To support the family's GoFundMe, click here.

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