India Tribune Newsdesk
Chicago: A young student from Telangana who came to the United States to pursue higher education is now fighting for her life after a devastating accident at a Chicago-area transit station on May 30 left her with severe injuries and in a coma.
Spandana Lagishetti, a master's student at Elmhurst University in Illinois, suffered a nearly 25-foot fall from a staircase at a transit station. The accident occurred just months before she was expected to complete her degree and begin the next chapter of her life.
Originally from Nagarjuna Colony in Naspur, in Telangana's Mancherial district, Spandana moved to the US in early 2025 after completing her B.Tech in Chennai. Her family says she had worked hard to achieve her dream of studying abroad and was close to graduating when tragedy struck.
Following the fall, Spandana was rushed to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois, where she remains in the Intensive Care Unit under critical care. Doctors have reported extensive injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, bleeding around the brain, severe brain bruising, skull fractures and damage to blood vessels supplying the brain. She also suffered multiple hemorrhages, spinal injuries, bone dislocations, liver and spleen injuries, internal bleeding, and fractures in her pelvis and lower back.
The impact of the fall caused several rib fractures, leading to the partial collapse of both lungs. Emergency chest tubes were inserted to help her breathe. Despite intensive treatment, Spandana remains unconscious as doctors continue efforts to save her life.
The accident has placed an enormous emotional and financial burden on her family. According to supporters, her medical expenses are not covered by insurance, and the cost of prolonged ICU treatment continues to rise. Her father, Lagishetti Srinivas, who reportedly works as a cab driver, and other family members are struggling to cope with the mounting expenses while desperately trying to reach the United States to be by her side.
Friends and well-wishers have launched a GoFundMe campaign to support her treatment and rehabilitation. The fundraiser has received an overwhelming response, raising more than $268,000 through thousands of donations. Organisers say the funds will help cover critical medical care, rehabilitation costs, and travel and accommodation expenses for her parents.
As Spandana continues her battle for recovery, her family, friends and supporters remain hopeful that she will overcome the injuries and return to the life and dreams she worked so hard to build.
