A motorcycle accident has claimed the life of 19-year-old Epson Bhatta, a Nepali international student who arrived in the United States 15 months ago to pursue an education and a brighter future. The crash occurred on the evening of Saturday, March 22, 2025, near Sewell Park, a popular area close to the Texas State University campus in San Marcos, Texas.
Bhatta was enrolled at the University of Texas. Kailash Hirachan, a member of the local Nepali community, confirmed the news to NepYork, noting that Bhatta’s permanent home was in Gorkha, Nepal.
The accident involved a collision between the motorcycle Bhatta was riding and another vehicle. Authorities have yet to determine whether he was the driver or a passenger as the investigation continues.
Emergency responders transported him to Ascension Seton Hays Hospital, where he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after being declared brain-dead due to severe head injuries. Despite medical efforts, he was pronounced dead on March 25, 2025, leaving his family, friends, and the Nepali diaspora in mourning.
Bhatta was returning home when the collision occurred. Details about the other vehicle and the exact cause of the accident remain under investigation by local authorities.
Having arrived in the U.S. in late 2023 on an F-1 student visa, Bhatta was described by friends as a determined and diligent student.
“Epson Bhatta, a 19-year-old from Gorkha, Nepal, was studying at the University of Texas, Austin,” wrote Ram Hari Adhikari in a social media post. “He came to the U.S. last year on a student visa to pursue his dreams. Unfortunately, he was involved in a serious motorcycle accident while returning home from campus on March 22, 2025. He was taken to Ascension Seton Hays Hospital for treatment, but despite all efforts, he passed away on March 25, 2025. Arrangements are being made to send his body back to Nepal per his family’s wishes. We humbly request support during this difficult time.”
The University of Texas has offered to assist with repatriating Bhatta’s body to Nepal. Meanwhile, the NRN (Non-Resident Nepali) Texas Chapter launched a GoFundMe campaign to provide financial assistance. As of March 26, 2025, the fundraiser had raised $42,000. Since the university is covering repatriation costs, the funds will support Bhatta’s family.
“Epson was a kind, ambitious, and hardworking individual who touched many lives with his warm personality and dedication,” the NRN Texas Chapter stated on GoFundMe. “His untimely loss has left his family and loved ones in grief, compounded by the financial burden of funeral expenses and repatriation challenges.”
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Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
