Who was Rajyalakshmi Yarlagadda? 23-year-old Andhra Pradesh student dies in US, family launches fundraiser

Andhra student found dead in US, family launches fundraiser to bring her remains back

A 23-year-old student, Rajyalakshmi (Raji) Yarlagadda, from Andhra Pradesh, was found dead in her apartment in Texas, United States, on November 7, leaving her family and friends in shock. Raji had recently graduated from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and was actively seeking employment, The Times of India reported.

According to her cousin, Chaitanya YVK, who started a GoFundMe fundraiser from Denton, Texas, Raji had been suffering from a severe cough and chest pain for two to three days. “Tragically, on the morning of Nov 7, 2025, she did not wake up while her alarm rang, leaving her family and friends heartbroken,” he said. Her friends later discovered that she had passed away in her sleep.

The fundraiser aims to cover funeral expenses, repatriation of her body to India, repayment of her educational loans, and financial support for her parents.

Chaitanya wrote that Raji had come to the US with hopes of building a better future for her farming family in Karmechedu village of Bapatla district, Andhra Pradesh. “She was a bright, hopeful soul who dreamed of helping her parents continue their farming journey,” he said.

Raji’s family relies on their farmland, crops, and livestock for livelihood. Her sudden death has left them not only heartbroken but also facing financial hardship. Members of the Indian community in Texas have stepped in to help expedite the repatriation process, and the Indian consulate is expected to assist with formalities.

A medical examination is underway in the US to determine the exact cause of her death.