Student from Andhra found dead in US, family seeks aid for funeral, loan dues

A 23-year-old student from Andhra Pradesh, Rajyalakshmi (Raji) Yarlagadda, was found dead in the United States. A recent graduate of Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, she had been actively seeking job opportunities after completing her studies, according to media reports. Her body was discovered by her roommates.

Raji was reportedly sick with a severe cough and chest pain for 2–3 days. She passed away on the morning of November 7, according to a fundraiser launched on GoFundMe by her cousin Chaitanya Yvk.

Rajyalakshmi, who was from Karanchedu in Bapatla district, completed her engineering degree at a private college in Vijayawada. In 2023, she went to the US to pursue higher studies. She had recently completed her MS in computer science and was actively seeking employment, Hyderabad-based newspaper The Siasat Daily reported.

Three days before her death, she told her family that she was experiencing a cold and fatigue, according to the report.

In the GoFundMe appeal, Chaitanya stated that Raji had gone to the US to create a better future for her family, who rely on their small farmland in Karmechedu.

"She was a bright, hopeful soul who dreamed of helping her parents continue their farming journey," her cousin wrote in the GoFundMe appeal.

"Raji's family has always found strength and purpose in the small piece of farmland in their village. Their crops and animals are more than a source of income. Their youngest, Raji, carried a heart full of hope for the future, dreaming of helping her parents build a better tomorrow," Chaitanya added.

RAJYALAKSHMI YARLAGADDA'S FAMILY SEEKS HELP WITH FUNERAL, EDUCATION LOAN

The GoFundMe campaign was launched to seek assistance for her funeral expenses and educational loans.

"As Raji's family grieves this unimaginable loss, we are reaching out to our friends and loved ones for support. We are raising funds to help cover her educational loans, funeral, travel expenses (to move her body to her homeland), and some financial support to her family," Chaitanya wrote.

A medical examination is underway to identify the cause of death.

Last year, a total of 11 Indian and Indian-origin student deaths were reported.

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