Rwanda PCV David Ripley Died of Aneurysm While on Vacation in Tanzania

David Ripley, a PCV working in Rwanda, died Tuesday from an aneurysm, his father, Bruce Ripley, said Saturday. “It was a weak spot in his arteries,” he said. “It was out of clear blue.”

The news came to a shock to the family, his father said. David had never demonstrated issues with his heart.

The family and friends are now awaiting the arrival of David’s girlfriend, another PCV in Rwanda, and a representative from the Peace Corps from HQ in Washington, to make final memorial services.

The service will be this coming Saturday.

The family has been overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support from family, friends and the Peace Corps Community. “He’s touched so many lives,” Bruce Ripley said of his son. “What he accomplished in five to seven months….he made all his friends dream bigger.”

The Peace Corps has set up the David Ripley Memorial Fund. Bruce Ripley said.  David’s PCV girlfriend plans to return to Rwanda to finish his projects. His father has asked that, in lieu of flowers, people donate to the fund.

All donations to the David Ripley Memorial Fund will support approved Peace Corps Partnership Program projects which focus on health in Rwanda.

For more information about the David Ripley Memorial fund or to donate, visit the web site https://beta.peacecorps.gov/donate/fund/david-ripley-memorial-fund.