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| Andhra Student Dies by Suicide in Chicago |
Chicago / Amaravati, May 2026 – In a heartbreaking incident, a 23-year-old student from Andhra Pradesh has died by suicide in Chicago, USA. The deceased has been identified as Sai Teja (name changed for privacy), a native of Guntur district who was pursuing a master’s degree in computer science at a Chicago-based university.
According to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office, the student was found unresponsive in his apartment on the morning of May 2, 2026. Preliminary investigations suggest no foul play. However, what has shocked everyone is that Teja had pre-scheduled multiple text messages to be delivered to his close friends in India and the US, explaining his decision and apologizing for his actions.
Scheduled Messages Reveal Emotional Distress
Law enforcement officials have obtained screenshots of the scheduled messages. In one of the messages, sent to his roommate in Chicago, Teja wrote:
“I am sorry for this. I could not handle the pressure anymore. Please inform my parents. Tell them I loved them.”
Another message, scheduled for his best friend back in Guntur, mentioned financial struggles and a fear of disappointing his family. The message also requested his friend to take care of his younger sister’s education.
The messages were reportedly scheduled using an automated messaging app and were sent out hours after his death was discovered.
Debt-Hit Family Awaits Body Arrival
Back in Andhra Pradesh, Teja’s family is devastated. His father, a small-scale farmer, had taken loans worth nearly ₹35 lakh to fund his son’s education abroad. The family survives on a modest income from agriculture and a small grocery shop run by his mother.
Speaking to local media, Teja’s uncle said:
“We did not even have money to pay for the visa fees. My brother borrowed from ten different people. Now, we have to arrange money to bring his body back. We don’t know what to do.”
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has been contacted. Officials have assured the family of all possible help in repatriating the mortal remains. However, the family estimates the cost of bringing the body back to India to be around ₹8-10 lakh – an amount they currently do not have.
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A Growing Crisis: Student Suicides Abroad
This incident is not isolated. Over the past five years, there has been a concerning rise in suicides among Indian students studying abroad, especially in the US, Canada, Australia, and the UK.
According to an internal report by the Ministry of Education (2025) , between 2020 and 2025:
The most common reasons cited include:
- Financial stress (high tuition fees, living costs, loan repayments)
- Academic pressure (language barriers, grading systems)
- Loneliness and isolation (no family support, cultural difference)
- Part-time job struggles (low wages, exploitation)
- Visa and work uncertainty (fear of deportation after studies)
Who Is Responsible? A Difficult Question
There are no easy answers. Parents invest their life savings hoping for a better future. Students carry the weight of those expectations. Universities collect high fees but often provide inadequate mental health support for international students.
In Teja’s case, his friends say he had not visited the university’s counseling center even once. Why? Because he feared being seen as "weak" or "unstable" – a common stigma among Indian students.
What Needs to Change?
Mental health experts and student counselors suggest the following measures to prevent such tragedies:
1. Mandatory Mental Health Screening for Study Abroad Students
Before leaving India, students should undergo a basic psychological assessment. Those with known depression or anxiety should receive pre-departure counseling.
2. Emergency Financial Support System
Indian embassies should have a dedicated student distress fund to help families repatriate bodies and provide emergency loans for students facing sudden financial crises.
3. Peer Support Networks on Campus
Universities abroad should create Indian student mentorship programs where senior students guide newcomers through academic and emotional challenges.
4. 24/7 Helpline for Indian Students Abroad
The MEA has a helpline ( +91 11 23012113 ), but awareness is very low. A dedicated WhatsApp-based emergency chat would be more effective for young students.
5. Reducing Stigma Around Counseling
Indian families need to understand that seeking help for mental health is not shameful. A few sessions with a counselor can save a life.
How You Can Help the Family
Several GoFundMe campaigns have been started by the Telugu community in Chicago to help Teja’s family bring his body back. As of this report, around ₹4 lakh has been raised, but the family still needs another ₹4-5 lakh.
If you are in a position to help, you can reach out to:
- TANA (Telugu Association of North America) – They have opened a verified donation link.
- Andhra Pradesh NRI Welfare Department – They are coordinating with the MEA.
Conclusion: A Loss That Could Have Been Avoided
Sai Teja was not just a student. He was a son, a brother, a friend. He dreamed of a better life – for himself and for his family. But somewhere between the loans, the expectations, and the loneliness, he lost hope.
His scheduled messages are a haunting reminder: many students suffer in silence. They smile in video calls, say everything is fine, and hang up. Then they sit alone in small apartments, drowning in guilt and fear.
We cannot bring Teja back. But we can make sure his story is not forgotten. If you are a student abroad and feel overwhelmed, please reach out. There is no shame in asking for help.
International Student Helpline (24/7): +1-833-456-4566 (Canada/US)iCall Mental Health Helpline (India): +91-9152987821
