In a tragic accident, 24-year-old V Deepthi, a student from Andhra Pradesh’s Guntur, died in a hit-and-run accident in Texas weeks before her graduation. The accident took place on April 12 in Denton, Texas, as per a PTI report. Deepthi was accompanied by a friend while returning home near the 2300 block of Carril Al Lago Drive when they were hit by a speeding car and it drove away from the scene. Deepthi suffered severe head injuries and died on April 15. Snigdha, her friend, is recovering after surgery and is said to be stable.
Promising Student’s Dreams Cut Short
Deepthi was working towards a Master’s at the University of North Texas and was graduating in May. Her family, having made huge sacrifices to fund her studies, had booked tickets and accommodation to witness her graduation ceremony and celebrate the milestone in her education.
I used to talk to her from time to time, and since she was in a hurry to go to classes, she informed us that she would call on Sunday when she would be available. That was the last call,” Hanumantha Rao, her father, said.
Family Sold Farmland to Support Her Studies
Deepthi’s family had sold their farmland to fund her education in the United States. The tragic loss has left them shattered, as they now prepare to receive her body in Hyderabad. Telugu associations in the US are assisting in arranging the repatriation.
A Life Full of Aspirations
A BTech degree holder from Narasaraopet Engineering College, Deepthi had always aspired to study abroad. Her tale is representative of the dreams of numerous Indian students who look forward to international opportunities for education and development.
Same Tragedy Just Weeks Before
This tragedy is the second after a recent occurrence of an Indian student in the US. Telangana boy G Praveen, studying in Milwaukee in Wisconsin, was discovered dead due to bullet shots last month. He had left for the US in 2023 after doing his Bachelor’s degree in Hyderabad.
The back-to-back losses have also alarmed the Indian student community overseas and brought to light the emotional and financial struggles their families endure during such tragic periods.
