Neelam Tanaji Shinde, a 35-year-old student from Maharashtra’s Satara district, has died in the United States after remaining in a coma for nearly 14 months following a hit-and-run accident. Shinde suffered critical injuries in the incident on February 14, 2025, in Sacramento, California.
Despite undergoing surgery and receiving prolonged medical care, she never regained consciousness. According to the reports, life-sustaining support was withdrawn on March 28 after her condition deteriorated, and she later died. Before her death, Shinde had pledged to donate her organs. Her family said they honored her wish, and the donation process was completed successfully over several days.
Shinde had sustained severe head trauma along with injuries to her chest, hands and legs in the accident. She underwent emergency surgery and was admitted to an intensive care unit, where she remained without significant neurological recovery. During her treatment, doctors also managed complications, including an infection linked to a feeding tube.
Her family faced significant challenges in traveling to the United States during her treatment. Her father and brother initially struggled to secure emergency visas from Mumbai, but were eventually able to travel following intervention by authorities. The delays, however, cost valuable time during a critical phase of her care.
Shinde had been pursuing computer science studies in the United States for the past four years. Her final rites will be conducted in the United States according to Hindu rituals on April 8 at 1 a.m. IST, with relatives there overseeing the arrangements.