Nepali student dies by suicide in California after five years in the US

CALIFORNIA– The Nepali community in the United States has been shaken by the death of Pramila Tripathi Bhurtel, a Nepali student who had been living in San Francisco for the past five years. According to the NRNA California chapter, she was found deceased in the city, and authorities are treating the case as a suicide.

Pramila had completed her Plus Two studies in Nepal before moving to the U.S. for higher education. She was unable to finish her university program and had reportedly been facing mental‑health challenges.
Yuvraj Karki, CEO of Everest Business Roadmap in California, confirmed the incident and urged Nepali parents to be cautious and well‑informed when sending their children abroad, noting the emotional and financial pressures many students face.

Details about her husband’s whereabouts remain unclear. She had been raising her child alone, and concerns have grown about the child’s future and the family’s financial situation. Nepali residents in California have already begun fundraising efforts to support the child and assist the family.
Fundraising link: https://gofund.me/4390afc71

A similar tragedy eight years earlier

Eight years ago, another Nepali student, Sanjit Bhatta of Parasi Bazaar, Nawalparasi, died by suicide after jumping from the Richmond–San Rafael Bridge in San Francisco.
Bhatta, an Uber driver, had left home for work after eating a meal prepared by his mother. A friend later alerted the family after seeing a suicide note in which he wrote about struggling with depression.
He had completed his studies at Contra Costa Community College and was preparing to join San Francisco State University. His body was recovered around 2 a.m., and his final rites were held that Friday.