Tragic death of Indian-American student Sameer Kamath: Coroner’s Office confirms it as suicide

The tragic death of Sameer Kamath, an Indian American doctoral student at Purdue University, has been confirmed by the coroner's office as a suicide. Kamath, who was just 23 years old, was found deceased at Crow's Grove Nature Preserve in Indiana with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The preliminary cause of death was determined through a forensic autopsy conducted by the Warren County Coroner's Office.

Kamath, a US citizen, had recently completed his master's degree in mechanical engineering at Purdue University and was continuing his studies in the same department. The news of his death adds to a series of recent student fatalities at Purdue University, including Neel Acharya, whose death is currently under investigation, and Varun Manish Chheda, who was murdered in 2022.

The death of a 23-year-old Indian-American #PurdueUniversity student Sameer Kamath in Indiana has been ruled a suicide, according to a release from a US county coroner's office.

Sameer Kamath, whose body was found at Crow's Grove Nature Preserve in Williamsport, died from a… pic.twitter.com/sb48CriyM2

— IANS (@ians_india) February 8, 2024

Confirmation by Coroner's Office

Warren County Coroner Justin Brummett confirmed Kamath's cause of death as a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The preliminary findings were released following a forensic autopsy, with toxicology reports pending. Kamath's family has been notified of the results, emphasizing the ongoing investigation involving various local and federal agencies.

The Warren County Coroner's Office, along with several other local and federal agencies, is actively investigating Kamath's death. The coroner's office has stated that Kamath's family has been informed of the preliminary findings. Additionally, while discussions about suicide can be sensitive, it's crucial to acknowledge that suicide is preventable and to provide resources for those in need of support.

Previous Tragedies at Purdue University

Kamath's death marks another tragic incident within Purdue University's recent history. Just days before Kamath's passing, Neel Acharya, another Indian student, was found dead on campus after going missing. While the cause of Acharya's death is still under investigation, it adds to the somber atmosphere at the university.

In 2022, Purdue University faced another devastating loss when Indian-origin student Varun Manish Chheda was murdered by a fellow student. This incident highlighted broader concerns regarding campus safety and the well-being of students.
For anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide or in need of assistance, please reach out to the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).