The family, friends, and local community are mourning the passing of Kassandra “Kana” Garza, a Fresno native and criminology student who passed away on Thursday, July 23, 2026, in Fresno, California, at the age of 32.
Known lovingly to her family and online followers as “Kana” and “Kana Kirbylicious,” Kassandra is being remembered as a fiercely loyal, protective, and compassionate individual whose life was defined by her willingness to help anyone in need.
| Full Name | Kassandra “Kana” Garza |
| Also Known As | “Kana Kirbylicious” / “Kana” |
| Hometown | Fresno, California (Resided in Spring, Texas) |
| Education | Fresno City College (Criminology / Criminal Justice) |
| Date of Passing | July 23, 2026 |
| Surviving Family | Pressie Garza (Sister) and extended family |
Details of the Incident
On the afternoon of Thursday, July 23, 2026, around 12:00 PM, Fresno emergency dispatchers received calls regarding a woman in distress on the 5th floor of a parking garage structure on the Community Hospital campus in Fresno.
Officers from the Fresno Police Department, alongside a crisis negotiator and units from the Fresno Fire Department, arrived at the scene. Negotiators attempted for approximately 45 minutes to communicate with Kassandra and de-escalate the situation, while firefighters set up an inflatable safety cushion on the ground below.
Despite the prolonged negotiation efforts, Kassandra fell/jumped away from the safety cushion. She was transported to the intensive care unit (ICU) at the hospital, where she was pronounced deceased.
Following her passing, Kassandra’s sister, Pressie Garza, reached out on social media asking for any witnesses or details from anyone who may have seen Kassandra visiting the hospital or attempting to seek help prior to the event. The family raised questions after hearing unconfirmed reports regarding whether she had attempted to check in or seek care beforehand.
GoFundMe & Memorial Support Campaign
Following her passing, the Garza family launched an official GoFundMe fundraiser to assist with her final arrangements:
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Purpose: The funds raised through the campaign are directed 100% toward her memorial and funeral expenses to allow her family to give her a proper service and bring her home.
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Tribute from Her Family: In the fundraiser description, her sister remembered “Kana” as a loyal and selfless person who consistently put others first despite her own personal mental health struggles:
“She never failed to be there for others… She was the type of person that would drop what they were doing to go and help… Kana loved Superman, Monster energy drinks, she was a foodie. A simple soul… I love you Kana, you’ll always be our Superman.”
A Devoted Sister, Student, and Friend
Raised in Fresno, California, Kassandra was pursuing her studies in Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Corrections at Fresno City College. Though she had recently been living in Spring, Texas, her roots and deep ties remained in the Fresno area.
Family and friends remember Kana as a vibrant, generous soul who brought warmth into every room:
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Fiercely Loyal & Protective: Kana was known by those closest to her as a “one-of-a-kind” sister and friend who would drop everything at a moment’s notice to support someone going through a tough time.
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Simple Joys: A self-described “foodie” with a lighthearted sense of humor, she loved Superman, Monster energy drinks, sharing meals with loved ones, and making people smile.
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Advocate for Mental Health: Behind her caring demeanor, Kana struggled with mental health challenges—a battle her family has shared openly in hopes of fostering greater understanding, empathy, and support for others facing similar struggles.
Family Statement & Community Support
Following her sudden passing, her family created a fundraiser to help cover final expenses and bring Kana home. In a moving tribute, her sister wrote:
“Kana unfortunately suffered from mental health disorders. She was the most loyal, protective, and one-of-a-kind human being… She never failed to be there for others, she was always, always there for everybody. She was the type of person that would drop what they were doing to go and help… I love you, Kana, you’ll always be our Superman.”
— The Garza Family
As her family prepares memorial arrangements, community members and friends continue to share condolences, memories, and support online for the Garza family during this profoundly difficult time.
Mental Health Resources & Support
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, distress, or thoughts of self-harm, confidential support is available 24/7:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the US and Canada).
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.
Emergency Services: Call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room immediately.