A 23-year-old student from Andhra Pradesh, identified as Rajyalakshmi (Raji) Yarlagadda, was found dead in her apartment in the United States earlier this week. The young woman, who had recently completed her master’s degree in computer science at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, had been actively searching for job opportunities following her graduation. Her death has sent shockwaves through her family and friends, both in India and abroad.
According to details shared by relatives, Rajyalakshmi had been unwell for several days prior to her death. She had reportedly been suffering from a persistent cough and chest pain for two to three days before her passing. Her roommates discovered her body on the morning of November 7, prompting immediate contact with local authorities. A medical investigation is currently underway to determine the exact cause of death.
Rajyalakshmi hailed from Karanchedu village in the Bapatla district of Andhra Pradesh. She completed her undergraduate degree in engineering at a private college in Vijayawada before moving to the United States in 2023 to pursue higher education. Known for her academic dedication and ambition, she successfully completed her master’s program earlier this year and had recently begun applying for full-time positions in the technology sector.
Her family members in India were reportedly in regular contact with her until a few days before her death. Three days prior to the tragedy, she had mentioned to her parents that she was feeling fatigued and suffering from a cold, but no one anticipated that her condition would deteriorate so rapidly.
Following her death, a GoFundMe fundraiser was initiated by her cousin, identified as Chaitanya Yvk, to help cover funeral costs, educational loan payments, and expenses related to repatriating her body to India. In the appeal, Chaitanya described Rajyalakshmi as a “bright and hopeful soul” who had left for the United States to create a better life for her parents, who depend on small-scale farming in their hometown.
“She was deeply devoted to her family and carried dreams of helping her parents continue their farming journey,” Chaitanya wrote in the campaign post. “Their farmland has always been a symbol of their livelihood and strength. Raji hoped to support them and build a better tomorrow for her family.”
The fundraiser, which has drawn emotional responses from friends, fellow students, and members of the Indian community in the United States, aims to raise enough funds to manage her funeral arrangements and cover her remaining academic dues. “As Raji’s family grieves this unimaginable loss, we are reaching out to our friends and loved ones for support,” the appeal stated. “The funds will help us with her education loans, funeral costs, travel arrangements to return her body home, and provide financial relief for her grieving parents.”
Rajyalakshmi’s sudden passing adds to a growing list of tragic incidents involving Indian and Indian-origin students in the United States. Reports indicate that at least 11 such deaths were recorded last year, raising concerns within the Indian community abroad. While the exact cause of Raji’s death remains unknown, her story has once again highlighted the emotional and financial struggles faced by families when young students studying overseas encounter unexpected tragedies.
Friends and community members continue to share their condolences online, remembering her as a kind-hearted and ambitious student who pursued her dreams with determination. Her family in Karanchedu now awaits the completion of formalities so her body can be brought back to India for the final rites.
Authorities in Texas have not yet released official findings from the autopsy. Meanwhile, the fundraising campaign continues to gather support as well-wishers express solidarity with the bereaved family during this difficult time.
