Honoring the life of Sophia Akimi Troetel

Sophia Akimi Troetel, her boyfriend Josiah Patrick Santos, and her dear friend and roommate, Katya Castillo Mendoza, had their lives tragically cut short by a drunk driver on October 30th 2025. All three were University of Arizona students in their senior year who leaned into campus life and were thriving.

One of Sophia's favorite places in her beloved Tucson was the botanical garden. She found peace amongst the cacti, butterfly garden and the succulents. This campaign is to raise funds for a mosaic memorial bench at the Tucson Botanical Gardens where anyone can go and fondly remember these three beautiful souls taken too soon.

Sophia was our light, our bright star, our everything. Please help support this campaign with even the smallest donation.

Erin Emiko Butler, Sophia's Aunt

Funds will support the purchase of the memorial bench, and a gathering to celebrate her life.