Telangana Student Critical After 25-Foot Fall In Chicago

Picture Credit – Gofundme.com

India-West News Desk

CHICAGO – Spandana Lagishetti, a 23-year-old graduate student from Telangana studying at Elmhurst University in Illinois, remains in critical condition after suffering a nearly 25-foot fall at a Chicago-area transit station on May 30.

According to reports, Spandana fell from a staircase connected to Chicago’s elevated “L” transit system and was rushed to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois, where she remains in the Intensive Care Unit.

Information shared by family members indicates that Spandana suffered severe head trauma, multiple fractures, internal injuries, and damage to several organs as a result of the fall. She remains unconscious while receiving intensive medical care.

Originally from Nagarjuna Colony in Naspur, in Telangana’s Mancherial district, Spandana moved to the United States in early 2025 to pursue a master’s degree at Elmhurst University. Reports said she was only a few months away from graduation. She had previously completed her B.Tech degree in Chennai before continuing her studies in the United States.

The accident has left her family struggling to reach her bedside. Her father, Srinivas Lagishetti, a cab driver, and her mother, Sunitha Lagishetti, live in Telangana and reportedly face financial and travel challenges in reaching the United States. Local reports said the family has sought assistance from government officials to obtain emergency travel documents and financial support.

A trauma surgeon at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital has reportedly urged authorities to expedite visa processing for Spandana’s parents because of the seriousness of her condition.

Meanwhile, a GoFundMe campaign organized by family friend Sai Shiva Jaligapu has raised more than $260,000 as of June 9 to help offset mounting medical expenses and assist Spandana’s parents with travel costs. Organizers said her treatment is not covered by insurance, adding to the family’s financial burden as she remains in intensive care.