Tributes to astronautics student, 24, who died after she was pulled from the water near Brighton Marina
TRIBUTES are pouring in for an astronautics student who died after being pulled from the water near Brighton Marina.
Sai Tejaswi Kommareddy, 24, was hauled from the ocean amid a massive coastguard search response last week.
Emergency services raced to the popular marina at around 4.30pm on Tuesday, April 11, after reports a woman was in trouble in the water.
Coastguard crews from Brighton and Shoreham rushed to save Sai, alongside police and ambulance crews, and a coastguard helicopter from Lee-on-the-Solent, in Hampshire.
However, it was later confirmed she had tragically died.
The 24-year-old had been studying a masters in astronautics and space engineering at Cranfield University in Bedford.
Her loved ones are said to now be trying to return her body to India.
A university spokeswoman today said they had been “deeply saddened” by Sai’s death.
The university told The Argus: “The master’s student was vice president of the CranSEDS association, the university’s branch of UKSEDS (UK Students for the Exploration and Development of Space), which is made up of students who are passionate about space exploration.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with her family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
“We know this loss is devastating and we are supporting friends, family and our wider student and staff community.
“We would encourage anyone affected by this news to reach out to our wellbeing team for support and advice.”
At the time, police said Sai’s death was not being treated as suspicious.
An inquest into her death was opened in Brighton on Monday, and has been adjourned until November 6.