The 26-year-old Indian student who had sustained life-threatening injuries in a collision in Melbourne’s western suburb of Footscray last month, has died of his injuries, earlier today.
Janardhan Reddy breathed his last at 11:53 am at the Royal Melbourne Hospital on Saturday, after he encountered 'severe' breathing issues, his elder brother Sanjeev Reddy told SBS Punjabi.
"He was stable until last night. But suddenly at around 4 am, he started having some breathing problems, while he was still in a coma," told a devastated Mr Reddy who has been spending his nights at the hospital, ever since he arrived from India, a few days after his brother's accident.
Janardhan Reddy (R) with his elder brother Sanjeev Reddy (L). Source: Supplied
While Mr Reddy continued to remain in the intensive care unit of the hospital, his 24-year-old friend who was riding on the pillion seat was soon discharged after the completion of his treatment.
Dr Sri Gullapalli, a community volunteer and a medical scientist by profession, who has been liaising with Mr Reddy's family in India told SBS Punjabi that his family had given their consent to donate his organs, but it was "too late."
"His organs could have benefited over 13 people in need, but since the death was sudden, his organs couldn't be retrieved for donation," said Dr Gullapalli.
Described as an 'ambitious' student by his friends and family, Mr Reddy hailed from a small town near Hyderabad in the southern Indian state of Telangana.
Janardhan Reddy (R) posing with his friend Sai Kiran Raj (R). Source: Supplied
He had arrived in Australia barely two months before the accident and was pursuing a master’s degree in Accountancy from Central Queensland University.
"Students like Janardhan come to this country with huge dreams and aspirations. I would like to take this opportunity to appeal to all the young students that please be aware of the rules and regulations of this country," said Dr Gullapalli.
"If you can't figure out something yourself, please don't hesitate to seek help from community organisations who'd be more than willing to help," he added.
In line with Dr Gullapalli's suggestion, Sai Kiran Raj, Mr Reddy’s friend and former roommate, said there is a need to raise road safety awareness amongst students arriving from India.
"Indian students tend to give first preference to driving to make some quick bucks as soon as they land in Australia," said Mr Raj.
"So it is of utmost importance that they should be made aware of road rules, the need to wear safety gear while riding or simply of their responsibilities as drivers before they get behind the wheel," he added.
Meanwhile, arrangements are being put in place to transfer Mr Reddy's mortal remains to India.
His friends told SBS Punjabi that the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and the Telangana government would be assisting with the process.
