Indian student killed by speeding car in Florida

In a tragic accident Guntipalli Sowmya, a 25-year-old woman hailing from Telangana’s Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district, was killed Sunday when a speeding car hit her while she was crossing the road in Florida.

Sowmya, who had recently earned her master’s from Florida Atlantic University, was returning to her residence after buying groceries when the accident occurred. She died on the spot.

She had gone to the US two years ago to pursue her studies. Her parents, Koteshwara Rao and Balamani, were devastated upon receiving the tragic news of their daughter’s death, according to Indian media reports. Sowmya’s family has appealed to the government for assistance in bringing her body back to Telangana.

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Rao, a former CRPF jawan, shared that his daughter had recently celebrated her 25th birthday on May 11. “I even sent clothes for her,” he was quoted as saying by Times of India.

A gofundme page to support Sowmya’s family in their time of loss. It has raised to date $35,244 of $120,000 target

Rao who operates a general store (kirana shop) in Telangana, had struggled immensely to arrange funds for Sowmya’s studies, and sacrificed a lot to ensure she had the opportunity to pursue her dreams, according to the page.

“Sowmya recently graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a Master’s degree, full of hope and ambition to support her family financially,” it said. “Tragically, her promising future was cut short when she was struck by a speeding car in Florida, USA on May 26, 2024.”

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Sowmya’s journey was one of resilience and determination. She traveled from India to the USA, overcoming numerous hardships along the way, the gofundme page noted.

As an international student, she faced the challenges of adapting to a new culture, managing academic pressures, and dealing with financial constraints. Despite these obstacles, she excelled as a student, consistently earning high grades and accolades for her dedication and hard work, the page stated.

Sowmya had just begun to embark on her professional journey, with dreams of easing her family’s financial burdens and repaying her student loans.

READ: Four members of Indian American family die in California car crash (April 26, 2024)

“She aspired to build a successful career that would not only secure her own future but also provide stability and support for her loved ones back home,” it stated. “Her untimely passing has left a void that is deeply felt by all who knew her.”

The gofundme “campaign aims to honor Sowmya’s unfulfilled aspirations by helping her family during this difficult time. The contributions will support her family financially during this crisis and help cover her outstanding student loans.”

“By coming together, we can keep Sowmya’s dreams alive and provide the support her family needs to heal and move forward,” the page appealed.