iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
The Indian American community of San Jose, California, is rallying behind the family of a software engineer who died in a recent freak accident.
Rohit Godhani was enjoying the Independence Day holiday on the Rogue River in Oregon with his family when strong water currents swept him up. His family helplessly watched him drift away and called 911. A rescue team found Godhani’s lifeless body later.
Godhani, 41, was a managing principal software engineer at Intuitive, a global technology leader in minimally invasive care and a pioneer of robotic-assisted surgery.
Godhani is survived by his wife Ranjita and their two children, ages 6 and 10. Friends have launched a GoFundMe to help the family.
“We’re seeking blessings and support to help cover funeral expenses and their daily needs during this difficult time,” Sunil Parmar, of Milpitas, California, says in the GoFundMe note. “Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a significant difference. If you can’t donate, please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.”
More than 1,650 people had donated over $165,000 of a $500,000 goal as of Monday, July 8.
According to Ranjita, Rohit was wading in shallow water when he attempted to retrieve his hat. The water was rushing extremely fast, and there was a drop-off in the river. Rohit went under and did not resurface. After multiple water units and private citizens searched the water, they found Rohit’s body shortly after 4 p.m. in about eight feet of water, 200 yards downriver from where he was last seen.
“Rohit was an amazing husband, a great friend, a talented engineer, and a wonderful human being,” Parmar wrote. “His dedication to his family and his work was truly inspiring.”
The suddenness of this tragedy has left them in shock and deep sorrow.
“While we cannot mend the hearts broken by this loss, we can come together to support Rohit’s family through this incredibly difficult time,” Parmar states. “We are organizing this fundraiser to help alleviate the financial burden that accompanies such a tragic event. 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. Let us honor Rohit’s memory by extending our love and support to his family. Together, we can make a difference.”