23-year-old Vangavolu Deepthi from Andhra Pradesh tragically loses her life in Denton, Texas, while her friend Snigdha continues to recover from the accident
In a heartbreaking incident, 23-year-old Indian student Vangavolu Deepthi, hailing from Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh, lost her life in a hit-and-run accident in Denton, Texas, just weeks before she was set to complete her master’s degree in computer and information science at the University of North Texas. Deepthi, a promising student who had completed her BTech from Narasaraopet Engineering College in 2023, was struck alongside her friend Snigdha, also from Andhra Pradesh, as they walked along Carril Al Lago Drive, a residential street, in the early hours of April 12, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
Despite an $80,000 crowdfunding effort for her treatment, Deepthi succumbed to her injuries, leaving her family and community devastated
The vehicle, believed to be a speeding sedan, fled the scene after hitting the two students. Deepthi suffered severe head injuries and was rushed to the hospital, where she was placed in intensive care. Unfortunately, despite receiving advanced medical attention supported by donations raised through a crowdfunding campaign, she passed away on April 15. Her friend Snigdha sustained non-life-threatening injuries and remains under treatment.
The Denton Police Department has launched a manhunt for the unidentified driver and has appealed to the public for any leads regarding the vehicle involved. Deepthi’s family, who sold part of their farmland to fund her higher education dreams, were left shattered. Her last conversation with her family on April 10 had been full of excitement as she invited them to attend her graduation ceremony in May.
Union Minister Pemmasani Chandrasekhar has been in touch with U.S. authorities to ensure her family receives all necessary support and has facilitated the arrangements for Deepthi’s body to be airlifted back to India. Her mortal remains are expected to reach her hometown on Monday.
