Spandana Lagishetti, a 23-year-old graduate student from Telangana, is in critical condition following a 25-foot fall at a Chicago transit station, prompting urgent support from her family and community.
CHICAGO – Spandana Lagishetti, a 23-year-old graduate student from Telangana, remains in critical condition after a nearly 25-foot fall at a transit station in the Chicago area on May 30. She is currently receiving intensive medical care at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois.
Reports indicate that Spandana fell from a staircase connected to Chicago’s elevated “L” transit system. Following the fall, she was immediately rushed to the hospital, where she was placed in the Intensive Care Unit due to the severity of her injuries.
Family members have shared that Spandana has suffered significant head trauma, multiple fractures, internal injuries, and damage to several organs. As a result of her condition, she remains unconscious and is undergoing intensive medical treatment.
Originally from Nagarjuna Colony in Naspur, located in Telangana’s Mancherial district, Spandana moved to the United States in early 2022 to pursue a master’s degree at Elmhurst University. She was reportedly just months away from graduation, having previously completed her B.Tech degree in Chennai.
The tragic accident has placed immense strain on her family, who are struggling to reach her bedside. Her father, Srinivas Lagishetti, a cab driver, and her mother, Sunitha Lagishetti, are currently in Telangana and face significant financial and logistical challenges in traveling to the United States. Local reports indicate that the family has sought assistance from government officials to expedite the processing of emergency travel documents and financial support.
A trauma surgeon at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital has urged authorities to prioritize visa processing for Spandana’s parents, emphasizing the critical nature of her condition.
In response to the situation, a GoFundMe campaign organized by family friend Sai Shiva Jaligapu has gained considerable traction, raising over $260,000 as of June 9. The funds are intended to help cover mounting medical expenses and assist Spandana’s parents with travel costs. Organizers have noted that her treatment is not covered by insurance, further compounding the family’s financial burden during this challenging time.
As the community rallies to support Spandana and her family, many are hopeful for her recovery and are working to ensure that her parents can be by her side during this critical period.
According to India West, the situation remains dire, and the family continues to seek assistance as they navigate this difficult journey.