Sameer Kamath, an Indian-origin doctoral student enrolled at Purdue University in Indiana, reportedly passed away from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
Sameer Kamath, a doctoral student of Indian descent, who was studying at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, and was discovered deceased at a nature preserve this week, reportedly succumbed to a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The 23-year-old US citizen’s body was found on Monday, February 5, at Crow’s Grove Nature Preserve, as confirmed by Warren County Coroner Justin Brummett.
According to Warren County Coroner Justin Brummett, Kamath’s body was discovered around 5 p.m. Kamath had earned his master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue in August 2023 and was continuing his studies in the same department.
Brummett reportedly stated in a press release that the preliminary cause of death for Kamath is a “gunshot wound of the head,” with the manner of death being ruled as “suicide.” A forensic autopsy was conducted on Kamath.
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“The Warren County Coroner’s Office, in collaboration with various local and federal agencies, has conducted a thorough investigation, leading to the release of preliminary findings regarding the cause and manner of death,” the release stated. It further mentioned that while a toxicology report is still pending, Kamath’s family has been informed of the results prior to their public release.
The coroner’s office confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing, with the involvement of the Warren County Coroner’s Office, Warren County Sheriff’s Office, Purdue University Administration, and other supporting agencies.
In less than two years, Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, has been rocked by the deaths of three students. Neel Acharya, an Indian student who had been missing for several days, was discovered deceased on the Purdue campus. An autopsy conducted on January 29 revealed no signs of trauma on his body, and the cause and manner of death are currently under investigation.
In 2022, Varun Manish Chheda, a student of Indian descent studying at Purdue, was tragically murdered. The perpetrator was identified as Ji Min ‘Jimmy’ Sha, a 22-year-old Korean student at the university. Sha, a junior majoring in cybersecurity and an international student, was arrested on murder charges. Chheda, who was studying data science at the university, succumbed to “multiple sharp force traumatic injuries.”
While conversations about suicide may be distressing for some, it’s crucial to recognize that suicides are preventable. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. You can contact the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).