Freshman Keyi Chen passed away on Feb. 18 at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles from organ failure due to the inflammatory syndrome Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH).
Chen was born January 3, 2010 in China and immigrated to the United States when he was six. Before high school, Chen attended Merlinda Elementary and Suzanne Middle School. As a child, Chen was involved in many activities such as piano, kung fu, calligraphy, baseball, and his favorite – golf. Chen also volunteered with his mother for the Chinese American Parents Association (CAPA).
On campus, Chen was a cadet in the Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (AFJROTC) program and a student who planned to join the boy’s golf team and in adulthood, the Army.
The Chen family will be holding an open entry memorial service on Saturday, Mar. 8 at 2 p.m. at Hua Yuan in Rose Hills, Hall of Grace in Whittier.
“If there are people that knew Keyi and want to be there, Keyi’s mom would be very happy to see Keyi’s friends,” said Chen’s godmother and church youth counselor, Tracy Tung.
If you or someone you know is struggling or requires assistance, contact WCHS counselors, connect with trusted individuals or contact the California Mental Health Hotline.
