Published Date: 2025-10-15

A Day of Remembrance

In Memory of Donna Kay Gross
Born March 30, 1956
San Jose, California
Died October 23, 2010
Napa, California

In Memory of Donna Gross
Fifteenth Anniversary Memorial

October 15, 2025

Please join the CAPT Napa Chapter on Thursday, October 23, in remembrance of the fifteenth anniversary of Donna Gross’s tragic passing. We will gather at the Napa State Hospital front entrance at 11:30 a.m. to honor her life, lay flowers, share memories, and reaffirm our ongoing commitment to ensuring workplace safety in her memory.

A devoted mother, grandmother, and dedicated Napa State Hospital Psychiatric Technician, Donna’s life was tragically cut short on October 23, 2010, when she was brutally attacked and killed by patient Jess Massey on the hospital grounds. Donna, 54, died of asphyxiation as she was returning to her unit to work another shift. Massey later pleaded no contest and is serving 25 years to life at California State Prison, Corcoran.

Following the memorial, we will gather for a reception from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. in Classroom 13 of the R&T Building (also known as the Program 4 Building). Food and beverages will be provided.

DSH employees:
Wear black on October 23

In collaboration with the Safety Now Coalition, the CAPT Napa Chapter encourages all state-employed Psychiatric Technicians to observe October 23 as a Day of Remembrance and Solidarity. We ask that state hospital employees across California wear black on October 23 to honor Donna’s memory and the lasting safety reforms inspired by her life and legacy.

For more information, please get in touch with Napa Chapter President Samona Booker at (707) 363-2667 or captnapa@psychtechs.net.

October 15, 2025 | Download Flier