Kyle Sohn Obituary: Remembering the UBC Student Who Died Following a Medical Emergency in 2022
The University of British Columbia community continues to remember Kyle Sohn, a 19-year-old student who died following a medical emergency in his campus residence in November 2022.
Sohn was a second-year student at UBC. His death received public attention in March 2023 after his family spoke about the circumstances surrounding the emergency and called for improvements to campus response procedures.
Medical Emergency at UBC Residence
According to reporting by CityNews Vancouver, Sohn experienced medical distress in his residence on November 14, 2022. Phone records indicated that he attempted to contact emergency services twice using his Apple Watch, first at approximately 7:33 a.m. and again around half an hour later.
The emergency calls did not result in an immediate dispatch because operators reportedly could not hear him and their return calls went unanswered.
Other students later became concerned after hearing sounds coming from his room. They attempted to get his attention and contacted residence staff for assistance.
Police eventually arrived at the residence, and Sohn was taken to hospital. His family said he was initially resuscitated, but doctors subsequently determined that he was brain-dead. Following discussions with medical professionals, his family made the decision to donate his organs.
He died on November 22, 2022.
Family Seeks Answers and Improvements
In March 2023, Sohn’s family spoke publicly about the events leading up to his death. His mother, Michelle Cho, expressed concerns about the response to the emergency calls and the difficulties encountered when other residents sought help.
The family called for UBC to review its emergency procedures and improve the way staff respond when students may be experiencing a medical crisis.
The case also prompted wider discussion about emergency communication systems, residence policies and the responsibilities of university personnel when students require urgent assistance.
The Independent Investigations Office concluded that police inaction did not contribute to Sohn’s death. The circumstances nevertheless raised questions for his family about the broader emergency response.
Remembering Kyle Sohn
Those who knew Sohn described him as kind-hearted, helpful and generous with his time. His family also spoke about his interest in politics and his involvement in community activities.
His death remains a reminder of the importance of effective emergency procedures and timely assistance when someone experiences a medical crisis.
This article concerns the events of November 2022 and the subsequent public discussion. It is not a report of a newly announced UBC student death in November 2026.