Santi Ram Rai, one of the Bhutanese Oregon Kirat Society’s members was working at 3D’s Market to support his family. On December 9, 2025, at around 5:20 PM, an armed group entered the store, robbed it, and shot our brother in the chest, killing him before fleeing the scene.
After this tragic incident, Shanti Bhai’s family has lost their primary source of income. To support them during this difficult time, we have established a GoFundMe account in the name of his devoted wife, Phul Maya Rai. We respectfully request everyone to contribute generously and provide financial assistance to help the family overcome this hardship.
Our beloved brother Shanti Ram Rai was born on July 27, 1992, in the Bhutanese refugee camp in Jhapa, Nepal, to his parents Kumar Rai and Ganga Maya Rai. His parents originally came from Gelephu, Bhutan, and were forced to migrate to the Jhapa refugee camp in 1991 due to the autocratic regime in Bhutan.
After living as a refugee for about 15 years, our dear brother Shanti Ram Rai married Phool Maya Subba in 2010. In 2011, he immigrated to the United States with his entire family.
He leaves behind his devoted wife, Phul Maya Rai, along with a 9-year-old son, a 5-year-old daughter and old parents. His family currently resides in Portland, Oregon, USA.
Our beloved brother Shanti Ram Rai was known for his kindness, agility, and remarkable talent from an early age. He never hesitated to extend a helping hand to those in need. He would often assist Nepali individuals who could not afford medical treatment, offering whatever support he could within his means. With his tech skills and proficiency in English, he regularly supported Nepali speakers who encountered difficulties communicating in English while handling official paperwork and verbal communication in America.
He served as a Youth Coordinator of the Oregon Kirat Society and because of his passion for music, he actively encouraged young members to participate in cultural programs and other activities like sports. He reached out to renowned Nepali artists and organized numerous events in Portland. His memorable stage performances alongside popular artists are still vividly remembered today.
Today, the family mourns the loss of one of its most cherished members, and the community unwillingly bids farewell to a soul whose kindness, talent, and generosity touched countless lives. On this heartbreaking loss, the Oregon Kirat Society and the entire Nepali-speaking Bhutanese community join in expressing our deepest condolences to the bereaved family. With heavy hearts, we bid farewell while honoring the life and legacy of the departed soul. In this time of profound grief, we stand united in support and prayer, wishing for comfort, strength, and peace for the family.