Spandana Lagishetti, a 22-year-old Telangana girl pursuing her Master’s degree in the United States, is fighting for her life in a Chicago hospital after falling 25 feet at a subway station.
The accident, which occurred on May 30, has left the entire Telugu community in shock as families across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana pray for the young student’s recovery.
The Accident
Spandana, who is currently studying at Elmhurst University in Illinois, reportedly lost her balance while returning home from university at a metro railway station and fell from a height of approximately 25 feet down the stairwell.
She was immediately rushed to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois, where she was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) receiving critical care.
Multiple Life-Threatening Injuries
According to the medical fundraiser set up by her family, Spandana sustained multiple life-threatening injuries including:
- Brain trauma — bleeding around the brain, severe brain bruising, skull fractures, and blood vessel injuries
- Chest injuries — several fractured ribs, both lungs partially collapsed, emergency chest tube required
- Internal damage — liver and spleen injuries with internal bleeding
- Spine and pelvis — fractures throughout the spine, lower back injuries, and multiple pelvic fractures
The fundraiser description stated: “Spandana suffered a devastating fall from a significant height and sustained multiple life-threatening injuries.”
The Family’s Desperate Situation
Spandana’s parents, Srinivas and Sunitha, who reside in Nagarjuna Colony, Naspur (Mancherial Corporation) in Telangana, are desperately trying to travel to the United States to be by their daughter’s side.
The fundraiser reveals a devastating reality: “Unfortunately, her medical expenses are not covered by insurance, and the cost of her critical care continues to grow every day. Her family is facing an overwhelming financial burden during an already heartbreaking time.”
Community Response
The Telugu student community in the US has mobilized immediately. A fundraiser has been launched to support medical expenses, prayer meetings are being organized across Chicago, and social media campaigns are spreading awareness.
Local Telugu associations are coordinating support for the family, including help with travel arrangements.
Who Is Spandana?
Spandana Lagishetti is a 22-year-old from Nagarjuna Colony, Naspur in Telangana. She completed her B.Tech from Chennai and is currently a second-year Master of Science student at Elmhurst University in Illinois. She is the elder daughter in her family.
Timeline of Events
- Before May 30, 2026 — Spandana studying at Elmhurst University, Illinois
- May 30, 2026 — Accident occurs at Chicago subway station
- May 30, 2026 — Rushed to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
- June 2026 — Family launches fundraiser for medical expenses
- June 5-6, 2026 — News spreads across Telugu communities worldwide
Bigger Concerns for Telugu Students
Spandana is not the first Telugu student to face tragedy in the US. Recent incidents include two Telugu students shot in Chicago in a robbery attempt, a Telangana student shot dead in Chicago, and an Andhra Pradesh student who died by suicide in Chicago.
These incidents highlight the vulnerabilities faced by Telugu students studying abroad.
Spandana Lagishetti is fighting for her life. Her family is desperate. The community is rallying. But the battle is far from over.
“She remains unconscious while doctors continue to fight for her recovery,” the fundraiser stated.
Every prayer, every donation, and every share matters. This is not just about one student — it is about all Telugu students abroad and the community that stands together when tragedy strikes.
