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Photo via Facebook

Alen Nazari, a fourth-year psychology major at UCSB, passed away on Friday, April 8 due to unknown causes.

Nazari entered UCSB as a transfer student and was originally from Granada Hills, Calif.

On April 11, Santa Barbara City College student Jake Ciroalo began a GoFundMe fundraiser to help Nazari’s family pay for necessary funeral costs. A group of 82 donors raised $2992 within a month, surpassing Ciroalo’s goal of $2500.

Several donors shared kind words on the GoFundMe page. “Every dollar counts, we always talked about starting ‘Gofundme’s’ but I never thought it would be for a reason like this,” a friend of Nazari’s wrote.

“Love you for ever and this is the least I can do to help,” his friend added. “You were there for me countless times when I needed help or if I needed to be spotted some money for a rent payment or a drink on a night out. Love you bro.”

Others posted photos and recounted memories, thanking Nazari for his kindness and sending love to his family.”Miss you man. I feel your presence everytime I get down and it brings me right back up,” another commenter said.

Ryan Marcus Roque Esquillo, a friend of Nazari’s, said he was “a symbol and beacon of love, family, and respect.”

“In his life Alen was able to cultivate these principles amongst all those around him and in his death bond and eternally instill respect and love to his family,” he said in an email. “He is truly a blessing to all of us and his legacy can be seen by the vast family he has built and the love and respect we share for each other. RIP Alen Nazari.”

Nazari’s memorial was held on April 20 at St. Leon Armenian Church in Burbank.

[Update May 25: This article now includes an additonal quote from a friend of Nazari.]

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