THE heartbroken friends of two men who died in a Carlow crash have launched an appeal to support their families.
Bhargav Chitturi, 24, and Suresh Cherukuri, 23, lost their lives on the N80 at Graiguenaspiddoge on January 31.
The Audi A6 the SETU Carlow students were travelling in collided with trees in Leagh, Rathoe at around 1.15am that morning.
The pals, who had been living in Hannover Road, also Co Carlow, were the driver and a back seat passenger in the vehicle.
Two other people, a man and a woman, were also in the car and are being treated in hospital for serious but non-life threatening injuries.
The tragic deaths of the two Indian students sent shock waves through the local community.
The grief was further compounded as the accident occurred on the first anniversary of the deaths of Katie Graham, 19, Daryl Culbert, 21 and Michael Kelly, 25.
The three young people lost their lives in a collision on the same stretch of road last year.
And now pals of Bhargav Chitturi and Suresh Cherukuri have launched a GoFundMe appeal as they “aim to unite in support of their families”.
The heartbreaking message posted alongside the fundraiser reads: “We are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Bhargav Chitturi and Suresh Cherukuri.
“It is with great sorrow that we announce the tragic car accident on 31 Jan at Carlow, that claimed the lives of these two Indian students from SETU Carlow.”
It continued: “In this challenging period, we aim to unite in support of their families to help cover funeral costs and other financial challenges they may encounter.
“We encourage you to donate or share this campaign to assist their families during this trying time. Thank you for your generosity and support.
“To help their both families, we set up our target for 50K, but I have got multiple requests to extend the target for 100k and we really appreciate everyone name by name who contributed for this cause.
“If you feel like contributing more, you’re more than welcome to do so.
“Assured that every cent will be given to their families & the victims suffering from the accident.”
And 15 per cent of funds raised will be allocated to the surviving victims of the crash who suffered serious injuries.
The fundraiser for the crash victims has already raised €66,242 in the five days since it was set up.
Organisers have disabled further donations on the fundraiser for the moment after reaching the target goal.
‘BRIGHT YOUNG SOULS’
Tributes have poured in for the two young men in their 20s alongside donations.
Ireland Telugu Samajam, a non-profit organisation on behalf of Telugu people residing in Ireland, made a €1,200 donation.
They said: “We are deeply saddened to hear about the tragic loss of the bright young souls. Our hearts go out to their family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.
“Gone far too soon, they will always be remembered for the joy, kindness, and energy they brought into the lives of those around them.
“May their souls rest in peace, and may their loved ones find the strength to cope with this unimaginable loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.”
Another person wrote: “Our prayers for both families”.
The two men lost their lives on January 31[/caption]
