Heartbreak has gripped the Kenyan and diaspora communities following the sudden death of Roselyne Oyaro, a Kenyan nurse based in the United States who tragically passed away mid-air while flying back to America after visiting her family in Kenya.
Roselyne, fondly known as Rose among her friends, had just concluded what her family described as a “joyful and refreshing visit” home. She departed Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Saturday, Oct. 11, with a connecting flight through Amsterdam before heading to the U.S.
According to relatives, Rose spoke with several family members during her stopover in Amsterdam — a call that would tragically become her last.
Moments after boarding her final KLM flight to the United States, she reportedly developed breathing complications mid-flight.
Doctors on board immediately rushed to assist her as the crew prepared for an emergency landing in Yellowknife, Canada, but despite their efforts, Roselyne passed away before the plane could touch down.
A Life Dedicated to Caring for Others
Roselyne worked as a nurse in the U.S., a profession her family says reflected her deeply compassionate spirit and lifelong dedication to helping others. Her relatives described her as “brilliant, bubbly, and supportive,” with an infectious warmth that drew people to her wherever she went.
“She was the kind of person who made everyone feel seen and cared for,” said a close family member. “Her smile could light up a room, and her heart was as big as her dreams.”
Friends and colleagues have also taken to social media to express their shock and grief, remembering Roselyne as a dependable and loving person who always went out of her way to help those in need.
Diaspora in Mourning
Roselyne had been living in the United States with her fiancé and had traveled to Kenya for a short visit to reconnect with her loved ones. Her sudden death has sent ripples of sorrow through the Kenyan diaspora community, many of whom have described her passing as “a devastating reminder of life’s fragility.”
Plans are now underway to repatriate her body to Kenya for burial. Her family, still in disbelief, says they are struggling to come to terms with the loss of a woman who was both a source of strength and joy to many.
“Roselyne had so much ahead of her,” one family member said tearfully. “She had dreams, love, and laughter — and now, only memories remain.”
A Journey Interrupted, A Legacy Remembered
While the exact cause of Roselyne’s medical emergency has yet to be disclosed, her death has sparked conversations about the health risks associated with long-haul travel and the need for better in-flight medical preparedness.
For those who knew her, however, the focus remains on celebrating her life — one marked by service, resilience, and compassion.
“She was a caregiver in every sense of the word,” said a friend from the U.S. “Even in her absence, her love continues to care for us.”
