Kyle Fitz-Randolph Hence (1964 – 2025)

Kyle F. Hence departed us physically on December 11th at his home in Platanillos, Costa Rica in the presence of his wife, Hellen, and son, Kainoah. Spiritually, he lives on casting and imbuing his wit and passion for social justice and truth upon us and in us so that we all may find a better, kinder way of living amongst our brothers and sisters in this earthly life.

Kyle was born in New York City on March 13, 1964 to Jane Knight Hence and Carleton Campbell Hence, both of whom he loved dearly even though they didn’t always agree politically. Kyle always knew his folks had his best interests in mind and listened wisely, distilling what he heard, and acting according to his personal values and faith in God. An avid, lifelong reader and professional sailor, like any good mariner, Kyle had an insatiable quest to learn while always setting new goals and destinations on his horizon. For him, the ocean was not just a place for adventure but also a resource for renewal, self-transformation, and gaining a deeper understanding of life and humanity; in hindsight, Kyle valued experiential education and self-study over formal schooling and would still be doing so today.

Kyle and his mother, Jane, often marveled in the idea of creating a home away from home, so circa 2009, they traveled to Costa Rica in pursuit of property near the Pacific, yet fertile enough for growing food and serving as a safe haven for extended family and friends. Here, they found nearly 40 acres of land in the mountain town of Platanillos, less than 10 miles from the coast, where they began planning to build a small hacienda. While planning and building the house, Kyle found the love of his life, Hellen Vanessa Araya Campos.

Hellen hails from the city of San Jose and had temporarily created a profile on Tinder, afterwards realizing the app was not her style. Just before removing herself from the platform, Kyle connected with Hellen and asked for her phone number. Later that week, Kyle was coincidentally (or magically!) returning to CR to tend to things on the property in Platanillos and asked Hellen for a date upon his arrival, which she accepted. It was love at first encounter, as Kyle surprised with flowers and chocolate while serenading her, embracing the physical and emotional of Hellen’s being, making her feel special under any circumstances. Hellen was naturally drawn to Kyle because of his free spirit and desire to “fight for right and truth”. Likewise, Kyle was attracted to Hellen because, as he later discovered, she brought him closer to God and realizing his real purpose in life. They married in 2019.

Their son, Kainoah, was born in December of that year, emblematic of their bond and the celebration of the true love they had found. Today, we are blessed knowing Kyle’s blood and spirit lives on through Kai, naturally embellished by Hellen’s maternal intuitions and spirit. It’s fair to say that Tinder fueled a fire that still burns today. Through his work and joys in life, Kyle made lasting colleagues and close friends, who today grieve his death and miss his warm, sweet demeanor and resilient spirit.

Below are some quotes and paraphrases from colleagues with whom he worked, family members, and the many he befriended
during his life’s journey:

Colleagues: As an activist, truth-seeker, and advocate for social justice, Kyle became heavily involved in the aftermath of 9/11, a movement that was plagued with disinformation and disservice to the victims – and their families – of this historic, catastrophic event. “Kyle always had very good judgment from reports I received from my compatriots.” He had an acumen for unveiling the truth without distorting the facts, an uncommon act in mainstream media and modern-day rhetoric. Furthermore, he had an uncanny ability to create legitimate and just questions during the 9/11 investigations that ensued and ultimately led to the establishment of the 9/11 Commission under George W Bush in November, 2002. Needless to say, as an investigative journalist and later Executive Producer and co-writer of the highly influential and masterful 2006 documentary 9/11: Press for Truth, Kyle was instrumental in the national, bi-partisan efforts of seeking the truth, justice, and closure for all 9/11 victims, their families, and the American citizen.

Friends: “He was a creative soul with a visionary spirit, gifted in his writing and speaking. Independence, curiosity, and freedom were his most cherished personal values. He was fun-loving, gregarious, charming, and precocious. He was righteously passionate about challenging institutional norms and exposing interpretations of the truth. He had a great spirit, a deep drive for truth, and a curiosity beyond this world. He was always smiling and was such a kind person.”

Family: “He was my spiritual and philosophical friend. Kyle always greeted with a smile and firm handshake. My wish now is for Kyle to rest, and look down on all of those he loved, as we celebrate his life and remember him as a passionate dreamer with a fierce love for the things he believed in. My brother was an idealist, not a pragmatist. He lived for others, not himself. Consequently, he found himself often short of the basic needs and still pressed on because of his faith and love for humanity and God – this I truly believe. His path and departure was not in vain but instead for all of us and the betterment of the world – a symbol of the good work that still needs to be done. In the end, Kyle’s life taught me this – the only thing that lasts is love, so I never wished when he died that I could argue with him again. I only wished I could spend more time with my beautiful uncle. My son, never easy, always loved. He loved animals and talked to birds. He especially loved dolphins. When in the South Pacific, I watched him swim with whales. He had a childlike glee and joy. The soul would have no rainbow if the eyes had no tears.” Occupationally, Kyle was a nomad, a curious man, multi-talented, selfless, and worked incessantly for the greater good by challenging societal norms and complacency. Whether it was teaching sailing to paraplegics at Shake-a-Leg in Newport, RI; crossing the Atlantic or Pacific as a yacht captain; freelancing as an investigative journalist; producing film documentaries like “9/11: Press for Truth”; advocating for local food production and sustainability as an event organizer and spokesman; co-founding non-profits like Sustainable Aquidneck, he was a relentless pioneer. He invested heavily with energy, passion, and time in anything he ever did, always putting purpose, mission, and human values & rights before personal financial gain.

Kyle was preceded in death by Carleton Campbell Hence (Father), Luther Knight (Grandfather), Doris Ayers Knight, (Grandmother), Ellen Frenz Hence (Granny), and Carleton Gray Hence (Dida). He is survived by Jane Knight Hence (Mother), Maxson Bentley Hence (Brother), Ulrike Maria Hence (Sister-in-Law), Juliellen Deluca (Sister), Hellen Vanessa Araya Campos (Wife), Kainoah Hence (Son), Annabelle Maria Hence Niece), Nicolas Maxson Hence (Nephew), Timothy Edmund Hence (Nephew), Isabella Courtland Hunter (Niece), Eloise Hunter (Great Niece), Jonathon
Fields Knight (Uncle), Randolph Bentley Knight (Uncle), Lee Ayers Knight Uncle), Guy Robert Colben Hence (Uncle), and many other aunts and cousins from coast to coast (Ally, Randy, Erica, Scott, Bentley, Peggy, June, et. al.)

Thank you for all of the emotional and financial support lent to Kyle’s family   and for the heartfelt condolences imparted. We are also grateful for everyone’s contributions to this obituary.

The family intends on having a memorial service for friends and extended family in Newport, RI and will keep everyone apprised of the date, time, and venue through email, phone, and social media.

Max Hence