Andhra student dies in US hit-and-run weeks before graduation

A female student from Andhra Pradesh, who was pursuing her M.Sc. Degree at the University of North Texas in Denton City, died following a hit-and-run incident a week ago, her family said on Friday.

The victim, identified as Vangavolu Deepthi, had been walking with her friend Snigdha near the 2300 block of Carril Al Lago Drive on April 12, when a speeding vehicle struck them. Deepthi sustained severe head injuries, passing away three days later on April 15, despite concerted crowdfunding efforts and quality treatment. Snigdha, however, is undergoing surgery and is said to be in stable condition, their family members explained.

"I spoke to her occasionally, and as she was in a hurry to attend classes, she told us she would call on Sunday when she would be free. That turned out to be the last call," her father, Hanumantha Rao, explained. Her last call with her family was on Thursday, according to her mother.

He added that their family had gone through great pains to support their daughter—a B. Tech. graduate from Narasaraopet Engineering College in Andhra Pradesh—having sold farm land to obtain money for her higher education in the US.  Her efforts paid off, as she was expected to graduate next month, which they planned to attend.

After completing all formalities, her body would be flown in from the US on Saturday and is expected to reach Hyderabad by Monday morning, her father said. Telugu associations in the US are currently assisting the authorities in these matters. 

World