Sahaja Reddy Udumala, a 24-year-old cyber security professional from Telangana, died in a horrific fire in the United States, her family confirmed on Saturday.
The Albany Police Department said its personnel, along with the Albany Fire Department, responded to a house fire on the morning of Dec. 4.
The Consulate General of India in New York has condoled the untimely death of Sahaji Reddy Udumala, an Indian national who lost her life in a house fire in Albany.
“Our thoughts and sincere condolences to her family at this difficult time. The consulate is in contact with the family of the late Ms. Sahaj and is providing all possible assistance,” the consulate posted on X on Saturday.
She completed her master’s degree in cyber security in the US and started working there a few months ago, her uncle Udumala Bala, Archbishop of Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, told PTI.
Sahaja Reddy moved to the US three years ago. Her family hails from Jangaon district of Telangana. Her father works in IT while her mother is a teacher.
Sahaj’s family will speak
Bala requested the state government’s help in repatriating her remains to India. He added that the Telugu community in the US is providing active support to the family at this difficult time.
“She had come home from work and was sleeping in her room in Albany, New York, when the fire broke out around 11:00 a.m. on December 4 (US time),” he said.
He said while she suffered severe burns in the incident, two other occupants of the building escaped with minor injuries. After receiving first aid in Albany, she was taken to a hospital in New York, where she died after approximately 15 hours of treatment. Many Telugu students also reportedly lived in the same building.
Meanwhile, Sahaj’s cousin Rathna Gopu has started a fundraiser to help cover funeral and memorial costs, repatriation and transportation, support for the immediate family and other expenses arising from the tragic incident.
Gopu added that Sahaja suffered severe burns affecting almost 90 percent of her body.
“She fought tremendously, fought with all the strength she had. Despite all medical efforts, her condition continued to deteriorate and eventually she suffered complete organ failure, which led to her death this morning,” Gopu said, adding that Sahaja was appreciated for her kindness, resilience, the warmth she brought to everyone around her, and “losing her so suddenly has caused unexpected devastation to our family and financial hardship and emotional problems.”
To date, more than $109,000 in donations have been raised toward the $120,000 goal.
