Local man’s daughter dies in Nepal

GoFundMe.com account set up for donations

by Olivia Lueckememeyer

A local man’s daughter has died at the age of 10. Namkha Sherpa, eight-year Crested Butte resident and employee at the Secret Stash and the Avalanche Bar and Grill, learned of the death of his daughter, Tshering Dolka Sherpa, on Tuesday, February 16 when his family called to inform him. Namkha’s wife, his eight-year-old son and his extended family currently reside in Nepal. He has not seen them in years.

Namkha moved to Crested Butte in 2008 to work to provide financial support for his family still living in Chheplung, a small village along the Everest trek route in the Solokhumbu region of Nepal. Last year when an earthquake ravaged Nepal, Namkha began raising money to rebuild his village, a popular tourist destination for those attempting to summit Mt. Everest. He was waiting for his travel documents to be verified by the state so he could return home when he learned of his daughter’s sudden death.

“We were so close to getting Namkha home,” close friend and Crested Butte local Ian Hatchett said. “He is such a good person. I can’t imagine where he is at right now.”

Until the state clears Namkha for travel, he cannot return to Nepal, as he would be at risk for not being allowed to return to the United States. Sadly, this means Namkha will not be able to attend his daughter’s funeral. A GoFundMe.com account has been set up to assist Namkha in his time of need, and members of the community are welcome to donate.

Even though the pain of losing his daughter is overwhelming, Namkha, a devout Buddhist, is glad her suffering has come to an end as she was severely handicapped throughout her life. He would like to express his gratitude toward the community.

“It is very hard, but I think she may live a better life in the next generation,” Namkha said. “Thank you to all of my friends and community who help me when I am in trouble. God bless you all.”

In addition to the GoFundMe.com account, members of the community can also donate to Namkha’s ongoing earthquake relief fund by depositing money into his account at the Bank of the West.

As soon as Namkha’s travel documents are approved, he will be returning to Nepal with the $15,000 already donated to assist in rebuilding his village. Hatchett would also like to inform the community that its donation of 220 high quality winter coats has reached Chheplung, and there are more to come.

Community members wishing to help Namkha can submit donations to his GoFundMe.com account, www.gofundme.com/php48pdv.