Indian Engineer Collapses and Dies Hours After Family Flew Home
A 37-year-old Indian engineer collapsed and died of a sudden heart attack in the UAE just hours after sending his wife and son back to Kerala, authorities and media reports said. The man, Hariraj Sudevan, was an IIT Madras alumnus and long-term expatriate in Abu Dhabi. (according to NDTV)
His funeral was held in his hometown in Kerala following his death late Sunday night, leaving friends, family and the Malayali expatriate community in shock and grief.
Who Was Hariraj Sudevan?
Hariraj Sudevan had been employed in the UAE for over 12 years, most recently as a senior offshore construction engineer in Abu Dhabi. Before that, he worked in Dubai for 11 years in subsea pipeline installation.
Originally from Alappuzha district of Kerala, Hariraj completed his B.Tech at CUSAT and earned his M.Tech at IIT Madras. He was reportedly diabetic but managed the condition through diet and lifestyle.
His wife, Dr. Anu Ashok, and their 10-year-old son, Ishaan Dev Hari, had spent approximately 10 days with him before their return to Kerala. Hariraj had planned to visit Kerala again later in October to celebrate his son’s birthday.
Timeline & Medical Circumstances
The Farewell and Hours Leading to Death
Hariraj dropped his wife and son at Abu Dhabi International Airport on Sunday evening. After that, he and his roommate Sujith visited a friend’s home to celebrate a birthday. Around 11:40 p.m., he reportedly felt uneasy, complaining of breathing difficulty and sweating. His friend Digin Thomas and others called for an ambulance and attempted to assist while paramedics arrived.
Despite CPR and medical intervention, he did not respond and was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Warning Signs Possibly Overlooked
Friends recalled that Hariraj had mentioned occasional heartburn and minor ECG abnormalities during a routine medical check in the UAE. These earlier signals had not led to major interventions.
Given his managed diabetic condition and prior work stress as an engineer in offshore and construction settings, colleagues say his sudden collapse stunned everyone.
Reactions, Family Statements & Funeral
Family members back in Kerala expressed deep shock and grief. Hariraj’s father-in-law, Ashokan KP, said the news was “difficult to accept.” Many in his hometown and among Malayali circles in the UAE paid tribute.
His friend Digin Thomas, who accompanied the body to Kerala, recalled Hariraj’s kindness, warmth, and his close bonds with family and friends. The funeral was performed in Alappuzha with a large turnout of acquaintances and relatives.
Implications & Broader Reflections
Health Risks Among Expat Professionals
The sudden death underscores how serious latent health conditions (heart disease, diabetes) might go undetected even in well-educated, well-employed populations. For expatriate professionals, access to regular cardiac screenings and stress management may be essential, especially in high-pressure jobs.
Family & Emotional Toll of Distance
For families separated by geography, the tragedy emphasizes the emotional fragility of expatriate life. The brief visit by his family, the joyous reunion, and then sudden loss amplify the grief and trauma.
Potential for Higher Awareness & Medical Checks
This case may prompt calls in Kerala and among Indian expatriate communities for increased awareness of heart health, routine cardiovascular checks, and attention to even mild symptoms like heartburn in high-risk individuals.
The story also stands as a reminder that personal health vigilance, even for those with strong educational and professional backgrounds, can never be sidelined.
FAQs
Who was the man who died of heart attack in UAE?
The deceased was Hariraj Sudevan, age 37, an IIT Madras alumnus and senior expatriate engineer in Abu Dhabi
What happened just before he died?
He had dropped his wife and son at Abu Dhabi airport, then visited a friend’s home. Around 11:40 p.m., he complained of breathing difficulty, was attended by paramedics, and died in hospital despite attempts to revive him.
Were there prior health issues?
He was diabetic (managed) and reportedly mentioned occasional heartburn and minor ECG abnormalities during routine checks, though nothing alarming had been detected before.
