Expand / Collapse search
☰

Family, friends mourn death of Sunnyvale man killed in Nepal quake

Published  April 28, 2015 6:55pm PDT
News
KTVU FOX 2

SUNNYVALE, Calif. (KTVU) - Family and friends are mourning the death of a Sunnyvale man who was killed in the earthquake in Nepal.

Vinh Truong is one of the four Americans who was killed on Mount Everest in the disaster. He was 48 years old.

He worked at Kaiser Santa Clara for seven years. He's originally from Chicago. He moved to the Bay Area to take care of his 85-year-old father who lives in Livermore.

Friends say he was a rugged adventurer who died doing what he loved.

"This was as big trip for him," said Michelle Fennessy who is Truong's friend. "This was something on his bucket list. He wanted to go there. I'm sure when he went to base camp and I'm sure he was beside himself like a kid at Christmas."

Fennessy said the avid outdoorsman loved to hike and that's what brought him to the Himalayas.

Truong died after the Nepal earthquake triggered an avalanche. He was caught in that avalanche.

He's one of two Bay Area deaths along with Google Executive Dan Fredinburg.

Fennessy believes the two may even have ran into each other.

"I'm sure he was probably talking to him," said Fennessy. "He is such a networker. I'm sure he thought it was the coolest thing talking to fellow adventurers."

Childhood friend Lawrence Page last saw Truong last month right before he went to Nepal.

"I couldn't believe that it was actually him," said Page. "Then again there are 4,500 other families who are thinking the same thing."

Truong wasn't married and didn't have any children. Friends are now comforted he died being right where he wanted to be.

"He appeared the happiest of his whole life," said Page. "He had a newfound peace of mind. He was much more comfortable and happy than we have ever seen him."

"He finally made it," said Fennessy. "You could just see the smile on his face."

KTVU spoke with Truong's brother Hanh who said his passing was a shock and surprise. The family appreciates the outpouring of support for but they don't want people to forget there are many more victims who are still alive that need support.