SSU Students Raise Memorial Funds For Classmate Killed In Crash

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — Classmates of a Sonoma State University student who died in a car crash just days before he was due to graduate have brought in more than $8,000 to help Brayan Alain Peña Rodriguez's family with all the expenses associated with laying their loved one to rest. Peña Rodriguez, 23, of Santa Rosa, died Friday, May 1o in a head-on collision with a garbage truck on River Road near the U.S. Highway 101 over-crossing, officials with the California Highway Patrol said.

The following Monday, Sonoma State President Judy Sasaki wrote in a message to the campus community that Peña Rodriguez, who majored in sociology and women's and gender studies, "was a beloved member of our Seawolf community" and an active member of a community service program at the school.

Upon receiving the tragic news of their classmate's untimely death, members of two Sonoma State student groups, Latinx Student Congress and MEChA, came together and created a GoFundMe campaign:

"It is with heavy hearts we offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends and community of Brayan Alain Peña Rodriguez. Brayan passed away Friday, May 10 following a tragic car accident. Brayan was an amazing and courageous person who brought so much happiness to all those who knew and loved him.

"As his community, we are heartbroken that he is gone and we cannot even imagine what his family must be going through. Brayan cared deeply about his community and always gave whatever he could to make a positive impact in the lives of his loved ones, friends, classmates, and the youth he mentored."

By the time this article was published, donations totaling $8,805 had been made through the online campaign at: Gofundme.com/memorial-services-for-brayan-pena-rodriguez. Having surpassed their goal of $8,000, students expressed their gratitude for the generosity of community members:

"As members of MEChA de SSU/The Latinx Student Congress, we have already had many emails and calls from community asking how to help. We thank you for making a donation to Brayan's family to cover the cost of funeral services in a time that is so devastating. ... Rest easy, Brayan. We love and miss you."

RELATED COVERAGE:

• Driver Killed In Head-On Collision ID'd As Sonoma State Student
• Driver Dies In Head-On Collision With Garbage Truck

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