LONDON: A 25-year-old student from Tamil Nadu, Jeevanth Sivakumar, pursuing his postgraduate degree at Aston University in Birmingham, met a tragic end after being pulled from a canal in the city. The incident occurred at Matrons Walk, Selly Oak, where West Midlands Police discovered his lifeless body in the Worcester and Birmingham canal during the early hours of Wednesday. Despite the immediate response from the West Midlands Ambulance Service, they sadly confirmed that nothing could be done to save him.
West Midlands Police stated that there were no suspicions surrounding his death and it will be referred to the coroner in due course, indicating that it is no longer a police matter. Meanwhile, the Indian National Students' Association (INSA) UK's Aston University chapter has taken the lead in coordinating the repatriation of Sivakumar's body to his grieving family in Coimbatore.
Expressing deep sadness, the INSA UK stated, "We come together with heavy hearts to honor and commemorate the beautiful life he lived." They are committed to providing assistance to ensure a safe journey home for Jeevanth's body and urged the community to remember him with love and gratitude.
In collaboration with the Consulate General of India and in compliance with guidance from HM Coroner, Aston University is facilitating the repatriation efforts. Regular communication channels have been established with Sivakumar's immediate family to ensure their needs are addressed. The university also encourages students to seek support from its Student Welfare teams, which include Counselling, Chaplaincy, and Mental Health and Wellbeing services, in addition to the Student Advice teams, during this difficult time.
Aston University is working closely with the repatriation process and offering support to Jeevanth's family, friends, and the university community. Associate Pro Vice Chancellor for Students, Alison Levey, expressed deep sorrow and emphasized the university's commitment to facilitate repatriation in accordance with guidance from HM Coroner and in coordination with the Consulate General of India. Regular communication with Jeevanth's family is maintained, and cooperation with relevant UK authorities continues.
The tragic demise of Jeevanth Sivakumar has cast a somber shadow over Aston University, where he was cherished as a valuable member of the community. The collaborative efforts of INSA UK and the university reflect their commitment to honoring Sivakumar's legacy and providing solace to those affected. As the process of repatriation unfolds, the university remains in close cooperation with relevant UK authorities, prioritizing the well-being of all those involved.
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