Prasanna Kalahasthi
 Prasanna Kalahasthi  (9-11/Premature death) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Died | 19 October 2001 |
Cause of death | hanging |
| Alma mater | University of Southern California |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Spouse | Pendyala Vamsikrishna |
| Victim of | Premature death |
A 9/11 widow reported to have hung herself out of grief. | |
Prasanna Kalahasthi was the wife of Pendyala Vamsikrishna, who was killed on September 11, 2001. A dental student at the University of Southern California[1], she was found dead on 19 October 2001. A legal case ensued following her death to decide whether as a "victim of terrorism" she was entitled to tax relief under the "Victims of Terrorism Tax Relief Act of 2001". In 2008 she was declared not to be such a victim.[2]
Background
Kalahasthi married Pendyala Vamsikrishna in India on January 25, 1999. They moved to USA.
Death
Prasanna Kalahasthi was found dead on 19 October 2001. Friends reported that she had announced no intention to kill herself.[3] The LA Times reported on 24 October 2001 that "without warning or explanation, she had taken her life."[1]
On October 17, 2001, she is reported to have purchased a length of rope from Home Depot. Kalahasthi is sometimes reported to have left no suicide note[4] but report of a 2007 court case suggests that she left two suicide notes and an audio recording. The first note, to her brother, stated: "I love Vamsi [Vamiskrishna] too much and the pain is excruciating[.] I am not able to deal with it. If there exists any form after this life I will be with him[;] if not at least it will relieve me from this deep pain." The second note, to Vamsikrishna's brother, and stated: "I am doing this since I love Vamsi too much and I don't want to make my life without him." The audio recording for her family stated: "I can't live without Vamsi, Sekhar. It's very tough for me. I loved him too much. I don't feel like... I don't feel like living for anyone. I'm sorry, but I loved him too much. And the pain... just can't take the pain. Hurts me too much."[2]
