Jonathan Kha Obituary, San Jose, California — Jonathan Kha, a respected public health advocate, researcher, and community coordinator from San Jose and Union City, California, passed away on Sunday, July 12, 2026, following a sudden water accident at Cherry Creek Reservoir. He was 25 years old.
Jonathan was known throughout the Bay Area public health community for his dedication to health equity, trauma-informed care, and creating stronger support systems for vulnerable communities. As the Community Healing Unit Program Coordinator at Asian Health Services in Alameda County, he worked to expand culturally responsive services for survivors of hate crimes, violence, and trauma.
Throughout his career, Jonathan made a lasting impact through his commitment to community healing and public health advocacy. He managed trauma support casework, helped develop alternative therapy approaches, and contributed to clinical intake systems designed to better serve individuals experiencing hardship. His colleagues remembered him as a compassionate leader who approached his work with empathy, dedication, and a deep sense of responsibility.
Jonathan’s passion for public health was also reflected in his work during his residency at the University of California, Davis, where he led harm reduction initiatives focused on opioid overdose prevention. He developed a campus digital mapping resource that connected students with life-saving resources and helped organize efforts that distributed Narcan kits and fentanyl testing strips. He also contributed to student education by co-developing and teaching courses focused on systemic health inequities, cultural humility, and intersectionality.
Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Jonathan graduated from James Logan High School in 2019 before continuing his education at the University of California, Davis. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology in 2023 and later completed a Master of Public Health in General Public Health and Epidemiology from the UC Davis School of Medicine in 2024. During his time at UC Davis, he served as President and External Vice President of the Vietnamese Student Association, where he promoted cultural connection, student representation, and inclusive leadership.
Jonathan’s death occurred while he was on a small inflatable raft with two friends at Cherry Creek Reservoir. On the afternoon of July 12, severe high winds moved across the open water, creating dangerous conditions. While his two companions reached safety, Jonathan was swept into deeper water and did not resurface. Rescue teams from South Metro Fire Rescue and surrounding Colorado agencies later recovered his body after an extensive search.
His passing has deeply affected his family, friends, colleagues, and the many communities he served across California and beyond. Asian Health Services, UC Davis alumni networks, and members of the Vietnamese Student Association community have mourned the loss of a young leader whose work brought compassion, awareness, and meaningful change to countless lives. Memorial services and community healing gatherings are being organized by those who knew and worked alongside him.
Jonathan Kha will be remembered for his commitment to equity, his dedication to public service, and the kindness he extended to others throughout his life. His legacy continues through the people he supported, the students he inspired, and the communities he worked tirelessly to strengthen. Condolences are extended to his family, friends, and all who are grieving his loss.
