Tried H-1B lottery multiple times, couldn’t visit home for 8 years: 30-year-old Indian dies in US after visa uncertainty

After years of H-1B setbacks and 8 years away from home, 30-year-old Indian dies in US

A 30-year-old Indian national, Sasikanth Reddy Donthireddy, has died of cardiac arrest in the United States, according to a GoFundMe campaign launched to help repatriate his body to India.

The fundraiser states that Donthireddy had been living in the US since 2018 and was facing prolonged uncertainty over his visa status. His death comes at a time when immigration policies and work visa pathways, including the H-1B programme, remain under scrutiny.

Visa struggles and mounting stress

According to the campaign, Sasikanth moved to the US in 2018 for higher education and completed a double master’s degree.

“He completed double master’s degrees and worked tirelessly to build a better future,” the fundraiser states. “Coming from a middle-class family, he carried their dreams with him every single day.”

The appeal highlights repeated attempts to secure an H-1B work visa through the lottery system. “Over the past few years, he tried multiple times in the H1B lottery,” the note says.

“Unfortunately, he was not selected each time. Even with strong qualifications and hard work, luck did not favor him. The repeated disappointments and visa uncertainty caused him a lot of stress, especially in the last several months.”

The fundraiser adds that Sasikanth had not been able to visit his family in India since relocating.

“For almost 8 years, they waited to see their son return home. They hoped to welcome him back with pride and joy. Instead, they are now waiting to bring him home for his final rites,” it said.

Sudden health emergency

According to the campaign, Sasikanth continued working long hours despite ongoing challenges.

“He continued working long hours without giving up. In the early morning of February 16th, he complained of chest pain. He was rushed to the hospital immediately, but sadly, he could not be saved,” it said.

The fundraiser links the prolonged visa uncertainty and repeated setbacks to significant stress in the months leading up to his death.

Fundraiser for repatriation and family support

The campaign, titled “After 8 Years Apart – Help His Family See Him One Last Time,” seeks financial assistance to transport his body back to India and support his grieving parents.

“His grieving parents are facing not only emotional pain but also financial hardship. The cost of transporting his body back home and arranging the final ceremonies is very high. We humbly ask for your support to: Help repatriate Sasikanth's body home; Support his parents during this heartbreaking time,” it said.

The fundraiser aims to cover the costs associated with repatriation and final rites, as the family copes with both emotional loss and financial strain.