Milpitas resident Rohit Godhani tragically drowns on July 4

Last July 4, Rohit Godhani, a resident of Milpitas, tragically drowned in the Rogue River in Oregon. Rohit leaves behind his wife, Ranjita, and their two young children, ages 7 and 10.

The family of four had travelled north with Rohit’s parents to spend their holidays there. Rohit (41) was on the river bank in very shallow water when strong currents came up and swept him away. His family watched helplessly as he drifted away.

A search and rescue operation began soon after, but ended with the discovery of Rohit’s body.

Mayank Patel, a close friend of Rohit and a resident of Milpitas, spoke of the despair friends and family members feel over his sudden death:

“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,” Patel said. “As we grapple with this difficult loss, we are left with precious memories of Rohit’s laughter, warmth and love that will remain in our hearts forever.”

Rohit was a passionate software developer in the medical device field. His friends and family members are spreading the word through a GoFundMe campaign campaign We are committed to helping Ranjita and the children during this terrible time.

The campaign page states, in part: “We cannot heal the hearts broken by this loss, but we can come together to support Rohit’s family during this incredibly difficult time. We are organizing this fundraiser to help ease the financial burden that such a tragic event brings. Your generous donations will be used to cover funeral expenses, daily necessities, the children’s education, and other essential needs of the family as they get through this difficult time.

“Ranjita, a caring and generous mother, needs all the support we can offer to help her family get back on their feet. Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a huge difference. If you are unable to support us financially, please think of Rohit’s family and pray for them.”

Rohit’s brother, who is in India, tried to obtain an emergency visa to enter the country for the funeral, but the US consulate rejected his application.

“We are all very shocked that they have denied the visa,” Patel said in an interview with The Beat. “He wants to come to the funeral, but the legal system does not allow him to do so.” Rohit and his brother’s parents are here (in Milpitas) and are in their 70s. They also need moral support because they lost their son in front of their eyes.”

Patel has been trying to contact Congressman Ro Khanna and spread the word to find out if anything can be done to enable Rohit’s brother and other family members in India to come to California for the funeral.

Readers are encouraged to donate to the GoFundMe campaign Here.