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- Published: Jul. 10, 2024, 10:28 a.m.
Raju Jha, a 28-year-old Portland man who drowned in Glacier National Park on Saturday evening, is remembered by friends as “a shining light” in their lives who loved uniting people with joy, laughter and his cooking. Friends say he also had a passion for adventure as an avid climber and hiker.
Now, friends are raising money to pay for Jha’s “last journey home” to Nepal. The GoFundMe was created by Jha’s housemate and close friend, Prasanna Narendran, who has been in communication with Jha’s family in Janakpur, Nepal.
Narendran said Jha was a generous and affectionate person with ambitions to return to his hometown in Nepal to climb mountains.
“It is a shock he won’t be able to do these things,” Narendran said. “He was just starting his life. He has a family back in Nepal — a mom, dad and brother, he was close with them as well. He used to talk with them every day.”
As the oldest son, Jha was the breadwinner for his family in Nepal, said friend Ayush Bhandari. Jha was saving to support his family and build a home for them in Nepal.
Narendran said it was his duty to ensure Jha made it back to his family in Nepal so they could perform the Hindu final rites. All proceeds from the GoFundMe will be used to send Jha’s remains home and to support the family, Narendran said.
In three days, the page has raised over $39,000. Narendran said he would increase the goal to $50,000 after consulting with friends and family.
“Raju would have wanted his family to see him one last time.” Narendran said. “His family is so devastated, and seeing him will give them some closure.”
— Chiara Profenna covers religion, faith and cultural connections. Reach her at 503-221-4327; cprofenna@oregonian.com or @chiara_profenna