A wrong-way DUI driver’s mistake cost a Telugu NRI couple their life in the US. Their two children survived the accident but remain hospitalised.
Telugu NRI couple died in the US after a DUI driver came in the wrong direction.
An Indian-origin couple died in a fatal car crash in the United States this past weekend. Consequently, a fundraiser honouring the deceased victims Krishna “KK” Kotikalapudi and his wife Asha, aka a Telugu NRI couple, has surpassed its original $350,000 goal. According to a GoFundMe campaign, organisers had hoped for it to achieve the target in 30 days. However, it accomplished the feat in less than 24 hours.
Fundraiser for deceased NRI couple surpasses original target in less than a day
At the time of writing, the goal had been increased to $450,000 in 30 days. But even that milestone had been achieved, as the GoFundMe fundraiser for the NRI couple had already amassed donations worth $473,420 (and rising).
Although the Telugu couple sadly perished in a devastating accident, their children Suchay and Shivani survived it but suffered severe injuries. The GoFundMe page title “Honoring KK & Asha-supporting Shivani & Suchay” seeks to alleviate the “financial burden of medical bills, education, and basic living needs” so that the kids “can focus on healing, studying, and rebuilding their lives.”
As highlighted on the page itself, the fundraiser was carried forward by Asha’s brother, Pavan, and KK’s sister, Sailaja, with a man named Venkata Rednam (of Waxhaw, North Carolina) as the organiser.
Telugu NRI couple dies in US car crash
As per the GoFundMe link, Krishna Kotikalapudi and his wife Asha lost their lives in a horrifying road accident, leaving behind their 16-year-old son Suchay and 21-year-old daughter Shivani.
The NRI couple’s children have already undergone major surgeries and remain in the ICU following the unimaginable January 4 tragedy.
“These two bright, kind, and promising young souls now face life without the loving guidance, protection, and support of their parents. They are still in school—one in high school and the other in college—and must now navigate adulthood while healing from trauma no child should ever have to endure,” the fundraiser noted.
A page called ‘M9 USA’ ultimately shared the saddening news of the Telugu couple’s death on X. “Telugu couple recently lost their lives in a tragic accident in Maryland,” it tweeted, plugging the GoFundMe page. “The grieving family humbly requests you to extend your support, no matter the amount.”
Subsequently, an Indian-origin doctor who claims to have known the pair personally responded under the post. “I know them personally…life turned upside down with no mistake of theirs…both kids underwent major surgeries..praying for their speedy recovery they recently visited India and celebrated new year in Dubai and this happened after returning ..life is so unfair and uncertain,” said user @Dr_bhavG.
What happened?
According to Maryland State Police’s news release dated Jan 5, the fatal crash was reported in Howard County, Maryland, early Sunday morning (US time). Officials from the Maryland State Police Waterloo Barrack were ultimately called to investigate a wrong-way car crash that had taken place on the interstate near Maryland 216 at around 2:45 am.
As cited by the US report, police identified the deceased victims as North Carolina natives Venkata Asha Khanna Appana, 48, and Krishna Kishore Koti Kalapudi, 49. While Asha was pronounced dead at the scene, Krishna Kishore was rushed to a local hospital. However, he later succumbed to his injuries.
They are said to have been driving a Chrysler Pacifica, with their children in the car as passengers as well, when an allegedly drunk driver crashed his Toyota Sequoia into them. He was driving the wrong way on I-95 at the time.
As per a recent development in the case, the DUI driver has since been arrested and is facing multiple charges. State police identified the suspect as 34-year-old Baltimore City resident Michael Coupet. He is currently being held at the Howard County Detention Center without bond, as per Maryland State Police’s news release.
Charges listed against him are:
- 4 counts of vehicular manslaughter
- 4 counts of homicide by motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and impaired by alcohol
- Causing life-threatening injury by a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol
- Causing life-threatening injury by motor vehicle while impaired
- Causing life-threatening injury involving a motor vehicle
- Driving under the influence
- Driving while impaired
Check the fundraiser for the Telugu couple’s family: gofundme.com/f/honoring-kk-ashasupporting-shivani-suchay
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