San Diego’s ‘strawberry man’ gets community support after accident

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — In the community of Olivenhain, a beloved man known as “the strawberry man” for his decades of selling fruit out of the bed of his pickup truck has received support from the community after a crippling accident.

Gerardo Rivera, 76, has been selling fruit on the side of the road off Rancho Santa Fe Road for 20 years, building a community of loyal customers.

On July 10, Rivera was in a car accident on SR-76 in Bonsall. Family members say he suffered a stroke and crossed the center line. California Highway Patrol (CHP) says Rivera’s car collided with another car carrying two passengers who suffered minor injuries.

Since the accident, Rivera has been in the hospital with a feeding tube and has had to learn to walk and talk again.

“He can’t talk, so he has a speech therapist teaching him how to say syllables again. He can’t walk on his own, so he needs help to get up,” said Rivera’s son, Noe Rivera. “His right hand is weak and he can’t open his right eye.”

Since the accident, Rivera’s son has been stepping in to fill his father’s shoes, working to carry on his father’s business.

“I’m surprised how people pass by and they honk, they yell, they wave and call out his name. Some of his customers have cried,” said Rivera. “He has an overwhelming personality and he treats everyone the same. He’s doesn’t care your social status.”

For decades, “the strawberry man” has sold avocados, oranges, and other fruits, but strawberries have become a favorite.

“It was a huge gut punch for someone I don’t know that well that I come across 5 minutes once a week to have such an impact on you, it’s rare,” said customer Andy Kreutzer. “It took the wind out of me when I heard the news.”

“My kids came by from Sacramento, wanting to know how Mr. Rivera was,” said long time customer Cheri Schroeder. “I’ve been passing the word around that our beloved ‘strawberry man’ was in such a terrible accident. The more people that know, the more positive energy and prayers can be sent out for his healing.”

Family members say Rivera may have to be relocated to Indio to begin his rehab. A GoFundMe has been set up by Noe Rivera for his father, Gerardo Rivera, as he continues his recovery.

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