Archive · 7 Jan 2026
Fundraiser for Telugu NRI couple surpasses $450K
A Telugu NRI couple, Krishna “KK” Kotikalapudi and Asha, died in a car crash in the United States.
Their children, Suchay and Shivani, survived but were severely injured.
A fundraiser was set up to help the children with medical bills, education, and living expenses.
The fundraiser exceeded its $350,000 goal in less than 24 hours and has since raised over $473,000.
The accident was caused by a drunk driver who has been arrested and is facing multiple charges.
The couple's family and friends are coming together to support the children during this difficult time.
A Telugu NRI couple, Krishna “KK” Kotikalapudi and Asha, died in a car crash in Howard County, Maryland, United States.
Their children, Suchay (16) and Shivani (21), survived the crash but suffered severe injuries and are in the ICU.
A fundraiser for the couple's children exceeded its $350,000 goal in less than 24 hours and has since raised over $473,000.
The fundraiser aims to cover medical bills, education, and basic living needs for the children.
The accident was caused by a drunk driver, Michael Coupet, who has been arrested and is facing multiple charges, including vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence.
- Who
- Krishna “KK” Kotikalapudi and Asha, a Telugu NRI couple, and their children Suchay and Shivani
- What
- A fatal car crash in the United States, followed by a fundraiser for the deceased couple's children
- When
- Early Sunday morning (US time) on January 4, 2026
- Where
- Howard County, Maryland, United States
- Why
- To alleviate the financial burden of medical bills, education, and basic living needs for the couple's children
- Victims
- Krishna “KK” Kotikalapudi and Asha
- Children
- Suchay (16) and Shivani (21)
- Fundraiser Goal
- $450,000
- Amount Raised
- $473,420 (and rising)
- Accident Location
- Howard County, Maryland
- Accident Time
- Early Sunday morning (US time)
- Suspect
- Michael Coupet (34, Baltimore City resident)
- Charges Against Suspect
- 4 counts of vehicular manslaughter, 4 counts of homicide by motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and impaired by alcohol, causing life-threatening injury by a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, causing life-threatening injury by motor vehicle while impaired, causing life-threatening injury involving a motor vehicle, driving under the influence, driving while impaired