Raleigh, North Carolina — A 35-year-old Indian tech professional, Arun Kumar Sandram from Hyderabad, tragically lost his life in a fatal road accident late Sunday night on Interstate 40 East near the I-440 interchange.
The devastating incident has sent shockwaves through the Indian-American community and cricket circles in North Carolina, where Sandram was beloved for his warm personality and athletic passion.
Key Facts
• Arun Kumar Sandram, 35, from Hyderabad, died on Interstate 40 East in Raleigh on Sunday night at approximately 10:50 PM after being struck by another vehicle
• He had recently relocated to the United States with his wife, Shiva Lakshmi, to pursue career opportunities in the technology sector
• Sandram was an active member of the Fuquay Mavericks cricket team in the North Carolina Cricket League, where teammates remembered him as a dedicated and supportive player
Sandram had only recently begun his American journey with his wife, filled with hopes and career aspirations in the tech industry. The couple's transition to life in the United States was cut short by this unforeseen tragedy.
Friends and colleagues remembered Sandram as much more than just a professional. In the local cricket community, he earned a reputation as a passionate player who brought positive energy both on and off the field.
His warmth and encouragement made him stand out among his teammates.
The news of his sudden death sparked an outpouring of grief across social media and within the Indian-American community. Friends quickly organized a fundraising effort to support his widow, Shiva Lakshmi, during this unimaginable period of loss and grief.
One teammate and close friend, Sandeep Machikatla, captured the sentiment of many in a fundraiser message:
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident remains ongoing. Police have urged anyone with information about what led to Sandram exiting his vehicle to come forward and assist authorities in understanding this tragic incident.
This tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictability of road accidents and their devastating impact on families and communities. For Shiva Lakshmi, the loss is particularly profound as she now faces an unimaginable journey alone in a new country, far from her home and support system.
Do You Know?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 42,514 traffic fatalities occurred in the United States in 2022, with pedestrians and those outside vehicles facing significantly higher risk of fatal collisions. Sandram's death highlights the dangers faced by individuals on roadways, even when stopped on the side of highways.
Key Terms
• Interstate 40 East: A major east-west highway running through North Carolina where the accident occurred
• Fundraiser: A community effort organized by friends to collect donations to support Sandram's family during their time of grief
• North Carolina Cricket League: A local sports organization where Sandram actively played cricket with the Fuquay Mavericks team
• NRI (Non-Resident Indian): A term used to describe Indian citizens living outside India, commonly used in the Indian-American community
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