International Student Killed by Falling Tree Near Kelowna, B.C., Friends Raise Funds for Repatriation

A close-knit group of friends and family are mourning the loss of Rittika Rajput, a 22-year-old international student who was fatally struck by a falling tree near Kelowna, B.C., last weekend. Efforts are now underway to raise funds to repatriate her body to India and support her grieving family.

The incident occurred on Saturday during a late-night bonfire at the James Lake recreation site. RCMP confirmed they were called to the scene just before 3 a.m., describing the event as non-suspicious.

A Tragic Accident

According to family friend Amarjit Lalli, Rajput and her friends were enjoying the bonfire when a sudden gust of wind caused a tree to fall.

“The girls kind of got up and started running. One went one way, and unfortunately, Rittika went the wrong way. The tree ended up falling on her,” Lalli said during an interview with CBC’s Radio West.

Rajput was living in Kelowna and pursuing a hospitality management program through online courses at a B.C. college.

Lalli visited James Lake after the accident and noted the sight of the fallen tree and a broken bench. He has since stepped in as a spokesperson for the family, assisting with the aftermath and supporting a GoFundMe campaign to cover the costs of repatriating Rajput's body.

A Family’s Heartbreak

The GoFundMe campaign describes Rajput as kind-hearted and hardworking, a devoted daughter and a caring sister.

Her mother, a seamstress in India, had taken out a significant loan to send Rajput to Canada with hopes of a better future.

“The mom’s not taking it too well. I don’t think she’s fully accepted that her daughter is gone,” Lalli said. “They want her body back in India for closure.”

Community Support

The fundraising campaign aims to cover the costs of repatriating Rajput’s body, as well as her college debts and legal expenses.

As the community rallies to support Rajput’s family, her tragic story underscores the sacrifices many international students and their families make in pursuit of a brighter future.

“Rittika’s story is one of resilience, love, and hope,” Lalli said. “It’s devastating that her journey ended this way.”