Indian expat student, 18, dies of cardiac arrest during Diwali celebrations in Dubai

Dubai: An 18-year-old outstanding Indian expat student and recipient of the prestigious UAE Golden Visa died of cardiac arrest in Dubai on Tuesday night, leaving his family, friends, and teachers shocked and devastated.

Loved ones are mourning the loss of Vaishnav Krishnakumar, 18, who reportedly collapsed in Dubai International Academic City during a Diwali celebration. He is survived by his parents VG Krishnakumar and Vidhu Krishnakumar and younger sister Vrishti Krishnakumar.

His family was informed that Vaishnav, a first-year BBA Marketing student at Middlesex University in Dubai, was rushed to a hospital in an ambulance but could not be revived, the family confirmed to Gulf News.

The hospital recorded a “death on arrival due to cardiac arrest.” The Dubai Police Forensic Department is conducting further tests, the grieving family said.

According to his family, Vaishnav had no known underlying cardiac issues. They said he was particular about exercising regularly and maintaining a balance between his mental and physical well-being.

‘Exceptionally brilliant’

Vaishnav has been described as an exceptionally brilliant student who inspired others. Known for his all-round abilities, he excelled in both academic and extracurricular fields.

He was the Head of School Councils at GEMS Our Own Indian School, Dubai, last year, where he spearheaded several student-led events. He was also the President of the Model United Nations Club and President of the OIS Debating Society in the school where his mother is a teacher.

He scored 97.4% in the CBSE Class 12 Board Examinations 2024-25, with a centum (100/100) in both Marketing and Entrepreneurship and full A1 grades across all subjects. Following this, he was awarded the UAE Golden Visa as a student with distinction.

Outside academics and extracurriculars, he undertook unique social media projects offering financial advice, lifestyle motivation, and workout routines.

Vaishnav won several accolades during his school years and completed internships with multiple companies in Dubai. He wished to become a successful entrepreneur one day, family sources said.

The family, hailing from the south Indian state of Kerala, plans to fly him home for the funeral once repatriation procedures are complete.

University, school mourn the loss

In a statement to Gulf News, Middlesex University, said: “It is with profound sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of Vaishnav Krishnakumar, a valued member of our student community. Vaishnav was an exemplary student, respected for his academic contributions and admired for his kindness, humility, and the warmth he brought to those around him.”

“His loss has deeply affected our entire community, and he will be remembered with great fondness and respect. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Krishnakumar family during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with them, and we remain committed to offering any support we can,” the university added.

Meanwhile, GEMS Our Own Indian School, where Vaishnav did his entire schooling, issued a circular to parents to share the "heartbreaking news.”

“Vaishnav was dearly loved by his teachers and peers. He was a compassionate student who guided and supported many of his schoolmates and was truly a star pupil. The entire school community is deeply grieved by this loss and are mourning. Our heartfelt prayers are with his parents (his mother Mrs. Vidhu Krishnakumar is our STEAM Teacher), younger sister, family members, classmates, and his teachers during this difficult time,” the school said, requesting parents to keep Vaishnav and his family in their thoughts and prayers.

The school also announced adjustments to upcoming activities in his honour. Pink Day on October 23 will be observed quietly at a later date, and The Family First Carnival has been postponed to November 8 while the Open House events have also been rescheduled for different grade levels.