Rajesh Potti's sudden demise: Repatriation funds

Closure of GoFundMe Campaign and Update on Rajesh Potti's Funeral

Rajesh Potti's remains are en-route to India, accompanied by his wife Ramalakshmi and their children. Their trip to the United States, filled with dreams and plans for a brighter future, has sadly come to an abrupt end, leaving them shattered.

However, it is heartening to witness the tremendous outpouring of support from the entire community. We are deeply grateful to outstanding individuals such as Sreedhar Dogiparthy, Gopi Potla, Sai Saggam, Maruthi Gajavalli, Sampath Namburi, Suresh Mittapalli, Srinath Pendyala, Sanjeev Tegulla, friends, neighbors, strangers and countless volunteers who rallied together from the very beginning to offer food, transportation, monetary and unwavering support.

We would also like to extend a special thanks to Mr. Townsend for his invaluable act of performing CPR on Sriram Potti, potentially saving his life. Your selflessness and quick thinking are truly commendable.

Furthermore, we express our gratitude to TANA for providing comprehensive assistance throughout the repatriation process, as well as NRIVA, various local and national organizations, news media, and the approximately 3300 GoFundMe donors. Your unconditional support during this critical period has been truly remarkable.

We would also like to acknowledge Rajesh Potti's employer, Exusia USA, for their unwavering presence and dedication in ensuring the best for their employee and his family. Your support has meant a great deal to them during these challenging times.

On behalf of Ramalakshmi and her family in India, we want to extend their sincere thanks to everyone who has supported them in every possible way during this crisis. Your kindness and generosity have provided them with much-needed strength and solace.

Finally, we would like to announce that we will be closing the GoFundMe campaign today as the purpose for which it was initiated has been fulfilled. All the proceeds from this campaign will be directly sent to Ramalakshmi Potti by TAJA, ensuring that the funds reach her without delay.

Thank you,

TAJA

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Rajesh Potti Viewing today

There will be a brief viewing time for the family and friends of Rajesh Potti before sending him back to India

Timings 12 PM to 1:30 PM

For further information please contact (904) 701-4307

It is with a deep heavy heart and overwhelmingly sad, the Telugu Association of Jacksonville Area (TAJA) announces the sudden tragic and unfortunate demise of Venkata Rajesh Kumar Potti (Rajesh Potti), 44-year-old friendly and humble soul, yesterday (07/01/2023) at an incident near Mickler’s beach Jacksonville, FL.

The incident took place yesterday when Rajesh and his family were at Mickler’s beach for a fun trip. While watching the kids playing on the beach, Rajesh immediately rushed to save his 12 year old son from a near-drowning situation due to rip-current waves but had to sacrifice his own life. His son was airlifted and he is in ICU at Wolfson Children’s Hospital.

Rajesh was a loving husband, a caring father of 2, and the sole breadwinner for the family. He is survived by his wife, a 12-year son and a 10-year-old daughter. He hails from Addanki AP, India. Rajesh moved to the USA last year on 10/1/22 to make his American dream and his family joined him here on 05/23/23.

TAJA started this fundraising campaign to help complete the repatriation process, funeral expenses, medical bills and near-term financial support for his family. Requesting everyone to come forward and help his family at this difficult time.

Please keep Rajesh in your thoughts and extend your heart to support this campaign and his family. All proceeds for this campaign will go to Rajesh's family.

Update: 07/04/2023

The good news is that the kid has recovered enough for the doctors to discharge him this morning. They will be going back to their townhome on 210.

Thanks for what you all are doing, many volunteers from JAX area, TAJA, TANA, NRIVA, Rajesh's friends from Tampa, Atlanta, Minneapolis, their neighbors and total strangers who are touched by this incident are pouring in their support and many via GoFundMe.

Ramalakshmi Potti sincerely thanked all for the great support she is receiving in this crisis.

The next steps are to expedite the return journey of Rajesh's remains and the family to India. We are working on a one-hour visiting time at the funeral home possibly tomorrow, will keep you posted.