Jeffrey Kai Bo Lee '23

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Jeffrey Kai Bo Lee '23 passed away unexpectedly on June 18 at the age of 25. He had been studying in Zurich, Switzerland, in a joint masters program in high energy physics when the fatal accident occurred.

His friend, Valeria Ibarra '23, shared reminiscences of a Bruin whose life was tragically cut short.

"I met Jeffrey during my first year at UCLA, when we were freshmen and we remained friends even after we both graduated together in 2023. Jeffrey was an international student from Malaysia, who graduated with a B.S. in physics. After graduating, he got accepted into a masters program in Europe, where he studied in Paris for his first year and in Zurich for his second. He loved learning, traveling and truly enjoyed life to the fullest. He was one of the greatest people I have ever met.

"Jeffrey radiated a warmth and friendliness that left a lasting impression on anyone lucky enough to meet him. He had so many different friend groups at UCLA; he was quite the celebrity when we would walk around campus. I can't imagine my time at UCLA without him. He will be sorely missed by many.

Ibarra and other friends have set up a GoFundMe page to help cover some of the monetary costs the family is facing:

Jeffrey was the kind of person who truly lived life to the fullest. He received the MyBrainSc Sponsorship from Malaysian MOHE to study at UCLA, where he made an undeniable impact on his friends and community. Not only was he studying incredibly complex physics, but he spread his love of travel, food, music and public transportation to everyone he met. He loved cooking gourmet meals and mixing drinks for people, and he was the type of person who would drop whatever he was doing to cheer up a friend.

As people who are irrevocably changed by the light and unabashed joy Jeffrey brought to our lives, we want to raise funds to help his family travel to Zurich and ease the financial burdens that they now face, so that they can focus on what’s most important. Jeffrey is his parents’ only child, and we want to help them in any way we can. Since Jeffrey’s family is in Malaysia, and with their permission, we will be collecting donations on their behalf and then sending the money to them. Any donation, no matter the size, is deeply appreciated.

We thank you for your love and support.