Riverside deaf community mourns death of beloved staff member and father
California School for the Deaf, Riverside (CSDR) announced on its social media pages that they are mourning the death of a long-time employee named Mark Baldiviez, who died on Sunday morning in an automobile accident. Mark’s adult son, Ryan, was injured in the crash and a part of his leg was amputated. He also worked at CSDR.
Local news outlets “Village News” and NBC 7 San Diego reported that on Sunday morning at 1:20 am, a 56-year-old male driver and a 28-year-old male passenger were going south on I-15 in a sedan when it veered off the highway and hit a shoulder metal guardrail.
The articles do not identify the driver or the passenger, but I’ve received confirmation that they are Mark and Ryan.
First responders said the metal guard rail entered into the car and caused injuries to both the driver and passenger. The driver was in full cardiac arrest. An air ambulance transported the driver (Mark) to the hospital, but he passed away.
A GoFundMe set up by Mark’s step-daughter, Stella Calbert, explained that Ryan recently had surgery and that it went well. The family hopes Ryan will be discharged from the hospital later this week.
The GoFundMe said the Baldiviez family faces an uncertain future that will include financial hardships and is asking for donations. Over 250 people have donated to support the family.
Mark leaves behind his son Ryan, daughter Katryna, a long-time partner named Blanca, and three step-daughters: Ashley, Isabella, and Stella.
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CSDR’s spokesperson Erika Thompson sent images of banners posted by students and staff that expressed their grief and messages of support for Ryan.
CSDR Superintendent Nancy Hlibok Amann said “Mark was an employee here at CSDR for almost 20 years. Those who knew him will undoubtedly remember his cheerful optimism, his happy-go-lucky attitude and smile, and his love for our community.”
Many deaf people on social media expressed condolences for the Baldiviez family and posted tributes to Mark’s life and his impact on them.
**Correction: The GoFundMe was set up by Mark’s step-daughter, not Ryan’s step-daughter.
https://twitter.com/csdriverside/status/1437823499691823105/photo/1