On Sunday, Jan. 14, two Sacred Heart University Graduate students, 21-year-old Sai Nikesh Rakoti and 22-year-old Gattu Dinesh, were found dead in their apartment in Hartford, Conn. Both students had come to the United States from India 16 days earlier on Dec. 28, 2023 to pursue a master’s degree in computer science from Sacred Heart.
Sai Nikesh Rakoti came from Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh, and Gattu Dinesh came from Wanaparthy district of Telangana. Mutual friends had connected the two students, who decided to be roommates once they got to the U.S.
After friends of the students had not heard back from them since dinner the previous night, the police were called. After breaking through the door, the students were found lifeless in their beds.
Although the cause of death is still unknown, it is predicted to be either carbon monoxide poisoning or a gas leak. Sacred Heart continues to be in contact with the Hartford Police Department as they determine the cause of death.
Friends of Rakoti and Dinesh called the families to inform them of the passing of their sons. It has been assured to the families of the students that their bodies will be brought back to the country at the earliest possible time.
Sacred Heart held a memorial service on Wednesday, Jan. 24 at 4 p.m. in the West Building at West Campus.
“Please join me as we continue to pray for these young men, their family, friends and our community,” said President Dr. John Petillo in an email to the university regarding the memorial service.
The Hindustan Times and Livemint news sources contributed to this article.
