Help Support Funeral Expenses for Enrique Peña Dávalos

It is with deep sorrow that we share the unexpected passing of our dear friend, Enrique Peña Dávalos, a brilliant and kind-hearted master's student in Optical Sciences at the Wyant College of Optical Sciences, University of Arizona. Enrique tragically passed away during a recent caving trip due to sudden heart failure. He was just 27 years old and only weeks away from completing his degree.

Originally from Monterrey, Mexico, Enrique came to the U.S. to pursue his dream of advancing science and making a difference through research. His work focused on the optical characterization of tissue, and his areas of interest included optical metrology, computational imaging, and designing optical systems. Enrique was deeply passionate about his field and was well on his way to making meaningful contributions to the world of optical sciences.

But Enrique was so much more than his academic achievements. He was an adventurous, athletic, and incredibly social person—someone who never said no to a new experience or a chance to connect with others. Whether it was playing tennis, hiking, or exploring nature through caving, Enrique approached life with joy, energy, and a warm, welcoming smile. His presence brought people together, and he left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

His sudden loss has left an enormous void in our community. We are now coming together to support his family, who are grieving this unimaginable loss while also facing the financial challenges of arranging a funeral in Mexico.

We are raising funds to help cover the costs of providing Enrique the farewell he so deeply deserves. Any contribution—large or small—will help ease this burden for his loved ones. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this page to help spread the word.

Let us come together to celebrate Enrique’s life, his spirit, and the light he brought into the world.

Thank you for your kindness and support.