The identity of the 25-year-old male who collapsed and died earlier this week has been released.
Vinod Kundnani, a graduate student in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, collapsed in an Olin Hall laboratory on March 31 at 10 p.m. He was taken to the Cayuga Medical Center where he later died Tuesday.
An autopsy has been performed but no results have been released.
Linda Grace-Kobas, director of the Cornell News Service, said that the process of organizing memorial services has been slowed because Kundnani’s family is in India.
A memorial service, open to the public, will be announced soon though, according to Grace-Kobas.
Sharon Dittman, associate director for community relations at Gannett: Cornell University Health Services, emphasized the importance of the availability of counseling services during this time.
“After a death or other loss, often one of the most important things people can do to deal with their feelings is to talk with somebody: a friend, a family member, a member of the clergy or a counselor. For students affected by a tragedy like this, we make appointments available as quickly as we can and at no charge,” Dittman said.
If you or anyone you know is having a difficult time with the death of Vinod Kundnani, do not hesitate to contact Counseling and Pyschological Services (CAPS) at Gannett: Cornell University Health Services at 255-5208 during office hours or at 255-5155 any other time. In addition, Empathy, Assistance and Referral Service (EARS) can be reached at 255-3277. Chaplains can be contacted through the Cornell United Religious Work at 255-4214. Ithaca’s Suicide Prevention and Crisis Service can also be reached at 272-1616.
Archived article by Natalie Adams