Gay was on his third day working at Color, a Bay Area company that conducts COVID-19 testing for multiple San Francisco sites. The recent graduate called his family hours before his death.

“He was very excited, and we talked about the benefits and what he was going to be doing in the lab, and he was very excited because it was for sure going to be for a good cause,” Darrl Gay, Kahlil’s brother said. “If he really loved something, he’s going to put his complete 1,000% into whatever he’s handling.”

“He died instantly and that was the last time his family ever heard back from him until they received the heartbreaking news,” Nadira Gay, Kahlil’s aunt said.

Authorities believe windy weather weakened the tree’s rotting roots’ caused it to come crashing down on Gay. Gay was pronounced dead at the scene.

“He just always had a smile on his face and was very positive. I never experienced him being negative,” Nadira said.

‘A Color spokesperson released a statement to ABC 7,  “We are devastated and heartbroken by the tragic loss of a member of the Color team. Our team is in shock and grieving this incredible loss. Our deepest sympathies are with his family and friends, including those he worked with here at Color.”

Dan Tsang, senior vice president for operations & development at Alexandria Real Estate who owns and manages the property where the tree fell released a statement, “We were shocked and saddened to learn of the accident that occurred during Friday’s windstorm, which tragically resulted in this accidental death. We are working with the authorities to determine exactly how this accident occurred. However it happened, it is heartbreaking, and our deepest condolences go out to the loved ones of this individual.”

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