Dr. Stephen Njau, University of Washington Resident Physician, Dies in Tragic Kayaking Accident on Lake Washington
SEATTLE, WA — The University of Washington Medical Center and the broader Seattle community are mourning the heartbreaking and untimely loss of Dr. Stephen Njau, a bright, compassionate, and deeply respected resident physician, who tragically passed away following a kayaking accident on Lake Washington.
Dr. Njau, known not only for his brilliant mind and medical dedication but also for his kind heart and adventurous spirit, died doing something he loved — spending time in nature and seeking peace on the water. His death has sent ripples of grief throughout the medical community, among family and friends, and within the Kenyan-American diaspora, of which he was a proud and active member.
A Rising Star in Medicine
Stephen Njau, MD, was a resident physician at the University of Washington, where he was undergoing advanced medical training to fulfill his lifelong dream of serving others through medicine. Colleagues and mentors described him as a rising star, someone with both clinical skill and a rare empathy that made him a favorite among patients and peers alike.
“He had a gift,” one of his attending physicians shared. “Stephen could walk into a room and immediately make a patient feel seen, heard, and cared for. His bedside manner was exceptional. His loss is both personal and professional. It’s a tragedy for the field of medicine.”
Stephen was deeply committed to issues of public health equity, often volunteering his limited free time at clinics that served Seattle’s underserved populations. He had plans to return to Kenya in the future to help expand medical access in rural regions — a dream he held close to his heart and often spoke about with pride.
The Tragic Incident
According to initial reports from local authorities, the accident occurred while Stephen was kayaking alone on Lake Washington during what was supposed to be a peaceful afternoon break from his demanding medical schedule. Witnesses noticed an overturned kayak near the water’s edge, prompting emergency calls to local rescue services.
Search and rescue crews quickly responded and recovered Dr. Njau from the water. Despite immediate life-saving efforts and emergency transport, he was later pronounced deceased.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing, but officials have indicated that weather conditions may have played a factor. The kayaking community around Seattle has responded with sorrow and solidarity, noting the tragic loss of a young man who embraced life both in and out of the hospital.
A Life Beyond Medicine
While medicine was his calling, Stephen Njau’s life extended far beyond the hospital walls. He was known for his love of the outdoors, especially hiking and kayaking across the Pacific Northwest’s stunning landscapes. He often documented his adventures with breathtaking photographs and thoughtful reflections, many of which he shared with family and friends back home in Kenya.
Stephen also had a deep love for music, food, culture, and community. A warm and curious soul, he was known to host small dinners for fellow residents and medical students, often cooking traditional Kenyan dishes and creating a space of belonging far from home.
“He had a laugh that would light up a room,” said a close friend and fellow resident. “He carried his heritage with such pride and never let the stress of residency rob him of his joy.”
A Legacy of Light and Purpose
Stephen’s sudden passing is not only a personal tragedy but a tremendous loss to the communities and causes he championed. His family, friends, colleagues, and patients are left grappling with the absence of someone whose potential was just beginning to be realized.
In his memory, the University of Washington Medical School is working with his family to establish a scholarship fund or public health initiative in his name — one that would honor his commitment to equity, education, and service. His family, both in the U.S. and in Kenya, have expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of love and support they’ve received in this incredibly painful time.
His church and local Kenyan-American community in Seattle are also organizing memorial services and vigils to celebrate his life and offer comfort to those grieving.
Final Reflections
Dr. Stephen Njau’s death is a painful reminder of how fragile and precious life is — and how even the brightest lights can be taken from us far too soon. But even in loss, his legacy remains: in every patient he comforted, every life he touched, and every goal he chased with honor and humility.
He lived with purpose, he healed with love, and he left the world better than he found it.
Rest in peace, Dr. Stephen Njau. You will be forever missed, deeply mourned, and always remembered.