This past July 4th holiday, Milpitas resident Rohit Godhani died tragically in a drowning incident in Oregon’s Rogue River. Rohit is survived by his wife Ranjita and their two young children, ages 7 and 10.
The family of four, along with Rohit’s parents, had ventured north for the holiday. Rohit (41) was at the banks of the river in very shallow water when strong currents came in and swept him away. His family watched helplessly as he went.
A search and rescue effort soon commenced, but ended in the discovery of Rohit’s body.
Milpitas resident Mayank Patel, a close friend of Rohit’s, spoke of the devastation that friends and family members feel about his sudden passing:
“The shock and devastation felt by Rohit’s family and friends is immeasurable. Our world has been turned upside down by the loss of a beloved son, father, and companion,” shared Patel. “As we grapple with this profound loss, we are left with cherished memories of Rohit’s laughter, warmth, and love, which will forever remain in our hearts.”
Rohit was an impassioned software engineer in the medical device sector. His friends and family members are spreading the word about a GoFundMe campaign dedicated to helping Ranjita and the children during this terrible time.
The campaign’s page reads in part, “While we cannot mend the hearts broken by this loss, we can come together to support Rohit’s family through this incredibly difficult time. We are organizing this fundraiser to help alleviate the financial burden that accompanies such a tragic event. Your generous donations will go towards covering funeral expenses, daily necessities, children’s education funds, and other essential needs for the family as they navigate this challenging period.
“Ranjita, a caring and giving mother, needs all the support we can offer to help her family find their footing again. Every contribution, no matter how small, will make a significant difference. If you are unable to support financially, please keep Rohit’s family in your thoughts and prayers.”
Rohit’s brother, who is in India, has tried to attain an appointment for an emergency visa to travel here for the funeral, but the U.S. consulate initially denied the request.
“We were all very shocked that they denied it,” said Patel to The Beat in an interview. “He wants to come to the funeral, but the legal system isn’t allowing him to do that. Rohit and his brother’s parents are here [in Milpitas] and in their 70s. They need moral support as well because they lost their son in front of their eyes.”
Patel has reached out to Congressman Ro Khanna, and is trying to spread the word to see if anything can be done to help Rohit’s brother, along with other family members in India, come to California for the funeral.
Update: A representative from Congressman Khanna’s office informed The Beat that they have actively been in touch with Patel and were able to get the Department of State to reconsider two expedited visa denials. Patel also recently updated The Beat, stating, “Congressman Ro Khanna and his team have assisted the Godhani family in securing a visa appointment. We are hopeful for a swift approval so they can attend the funeral.”
Readers are encouraged to donate to the GoFundMe campaign here.
This article has been updated.
