Keyi's obituary
In Loving Memory of Keyi Chen
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Keyi Chen, age 15, who passed away suddenly on February 18, 2025, at 11:07 AM at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
Born on January 3, 2010, in China, Keyi moved to the United States with his parents when he was six years old. He quickly became a beloved part of his community, known for his kindness, loyalty, and strong sense of justice. Keyi was deeply loved by his friends, family, and teachers, all of whom admired his caring nature and his unwavering sense of right and wrong. He would often stand up for others, protecting his friends with a fierce and noble spirit.
From a young age, Keyi showed a passion for many interests, including chess, golf, performing arts, and martial arts. His dedication to these activities was evident, and his teachers often remarked on his drive and character. Standing taller than many of his peers, Keyi was not just physically strong, but emotionally strong as well, often assuming the role of protector for those around him.
Keyi had many dreams, one of which was to serve in the army, following in the footsteps of his beloved grandfather, who passed away when Keyi was very young. Keyi’s admiration for his grandfather was a guiding force in his life, and his dream of following that legacy was something he held close to his heart.
In March 2024, Keyi was diagnosed with a germ cell tumor, a form of cancer. Despite the initial setback, he underwent chemotherapy and had the tumor successfully removed. He entered remission in May 2024 and was filled with hope for the future. However, in late November 2024, Keyi experienced a relapse and began a new, more intensive regimen of chemotherapy. Although the chemotherapy was proving to be effective, it also brought complications, including low platelet counts and persistent fevers.
On February 15, 2025, Keyi’s condition worsened when doctors discovered that his body had triggered HLH (Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis), a rare and often fatal immune disorder that causes white blood cells to attack the body's organs. . Despite the medical team’s tireless efforts to stop the HLH from progressing, it led to multi-organ dysfunction, which quickly became multi-organ failure. His passing was swift and shocking, leaving all who loved him in profound grief and disbelief.
Keyi’s family is deeply grateful for the care he received at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and for the outpouring of love and support from friends, family, and all those who knew him.
Keyi is survived by his loving parents, Wei Chen and Li Xu, and many friends and teachers who considered him family. His life, although far too short, was filled with love, joy, and strength. While we mourn his passing, we take comfort in knowing that he is now in a place of peace, free from pain and sickness, and that one day we will be reunited with him again in heaven.
A memorial service will be held for Keyi on March 8, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Hua Yuan in Rose Hills. If you plan to attend, please RSVP at this link: https://everloved.com/life-of…
Though he is no longer with us in this world, we will forever celebrate his life, his spirit, and the joy he brought to all who knew him.