MURRIETA, Calif. (KABC) — A community in Murrieta is standing behind a grieving family after a beloved business owner died while rescuing their loved one from an out-of-control car.

Adam Bouvet died a hero, sacrificing his life to protect his loved ones.

“He was a giver, a pillar of the community, but most of all he truly loved his family,” said Brad Neet, Bouvet’s longtime friend.

Neet said the 50-year-old man was visiting his oldest daughter in Dallas and was excited to see his grandson play football for the first time.

“They were walking down the street on their way back from lunch and heard tires squealing. I have no doubt that it saved his life and that of his wife Tracy,” Neet said.

Bouvet didn’t hesitate to take action as a car jumped the curb and headed straight for him, his wife, two daughters and grandson.

“He basically took Tracy and threw her out of the way and unfortunately took the brunt of the blow,” he said.

Bouvet’s wife was slightly injured, while the others escaped uninjured. However, Bouvet was seriously injured and died three days later on Monday.

Outside The Mill restaurant in Old Town Murrieta, where Bouvet co-owned for 17 years, there are notes and flowers left by customers who knew her.

The community also showed their love and support by tying orange ribbons around the trees, and a black and orange sign was hung by the local elementary school showing support for Bouvet’s family. The colors represent Bouvet’s favorite baseball team, the San Francisco Giants.

“You lose your best friend and you miss him forever, and not only does he leave a hole in my heart, but he also leaves a huge hole in the community because of what he did during his time here,” Neet said.

On Friday and Saturday, The Mill will donate proceeds from sales to Bouvet’s family to offset the cost of his untimely death. The friends are also raising money through a campaign. GoFundMe page.

“Not many people have as big an impact on a community as he does, and so it’s pretty amazing to see this outpouring of love,” Neet added.

The family is in the process of bringing Bouvet’s body to California and planning a ceremony.