A 22-year-old Indian student from Punjab, Rittika Rajput, lost her life in a tragic accident on Dec. 7, when a tree collapsed during a late-night bonfire at James Lake, impaling her head. Rajput, who was living in Kelowna and pursuing an online hospitality management course from a local college, died instantly, according to authorities.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has confirmed the incident as non-suspicious but stated that an investigation into her death is ongoing.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to raise funds to repatriate Rajput's body to Punjab for her final rites. The campaign organizers described her as “a kind-hearted and hardworking young woman” and shared details about her family’s financial struggles.
“Rittika was not only a loving daughter but a caring sister to her siblings. Coming from a low-income family, her mother, Kiran Rajput, worked day and night stitching clothes to make ends meet. Kiran also took out a loan of thousands of dollars to send Rittika to Canada for her education,” the campaign states.
The unforeseen tragedy has left the family devastated, both emotionally and financially. “Kiran, who is already in debt, does not have the funds to bring Rittika’s body back to Punjab to carry out the funeral rites according to their customs and wishes. This campaign will also help pay off Rittika’s educational debt, legal costs, and other unforeseen financial challenges,” the organizers added.
The campaign appeals to the community for support, emphasizing, “Your generosity, kindness, and prayers will make an immeasurable difference to Rittika’s mother.”
Rajput’s sudden demise has left the international student community in Kelowna in shock, with many expressing their condolences and offering support to the grieving family.
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