(Image source from: www.thenewsminute.com)

The body of a Hyderabad-based techie, Raj Kiran Gottipati, who was working in California and drowned in the United States earlier this week, reached the city's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) on Saturday morning.

The 33-year-old techie had drowned in a river near San Ramon, California, where he went for a swim on August 12. Following this, he was rushed to the hospital where doctors tried to save him but failed.

A fundraising campaign was started on GoFundMe, on behalf of Jyothi Gottipati, Raj Kiran's wife, who is living with their daughter in Hyderabad.

"Devastated. Crushed. Stunned. Tears. Some feelings that are beyond words. The deepest sorrow, pain, and grief is what his wife, daughter Mokshitha, family, and friends are feeling now. We all knew him as a man with a kind heart, calm personality, friendly with a great sense of humor. He was the most loveable husband, the best father and a true friend," the fundraising campaign stated. 

The statement also said that Raj Kiran was the sole breadwinner for his family and his wife was five months into her pregnancy when she received the news. 

"This entire memorial fund will go to his kid's education. We request to honor and support Raj Kiran's family in this devastating time," the fundraising request stated.

The campaign has managed to collect $92,342 of the $200,000 goal in the last four days.

By Sowmya Sangam