DAD, 49, WENT TO HOSPITAL WITH BACK ACHE HOURS LATER HE WAS DEAD
HEARTBROKEN FAMILY IN SHOCK OVER SUDDEN, UNEXPECTED DEATH
A FAMILY is trying to come to terms with the sudden and unexpected death of a husband and dad, hours after he went to hospital complaining of back pains, writes Finvola Dunphy.
Jagadeesh Kovval, 49, leaves behind a wife, a son, 11, and two daughters, aged seven and 17.
Bobby Singh, Jagadeesh’s best friend who worked with him at Leicester restaurant Shimla Pinks, said both he and the family are in “utter shock and disbelief”.
Last Wednesday, at about 1am, Jagadeesh, right, went to hospital complaining of back ache. He even sent a selfie from his hospital bed, smiling, but within hours he was dead.
Bobby said he had been told it was a lung infection that spread to his throat, leading to a cardiac arrest. It is not yet known whether the death was Covid-related.
A DAD-of-three has died suddenly at Leicester Royal Infirmary after going in with back ache.
Jagadeesh (Jag) Kovval, aged 49, leaves behind a heartbroken wife, a son aged 11 and two daughters, aged seven and 17.
Bobby Singh, Jag’s best friend who worked with him at Leicester restaurant Shimla Pinks, says he and the family are in “utter shock and disbelief.”
Last Wednesday, at about 1am, Jag was taken to hospital after complaining of back ache.
He even sent Bobby a selfie from his hospital bed, smiling. Within a few hours, he was dead. Bobby told the Mercury: “After doing tests, the doctors said it was a lung infection that had spread to his throat.
“They told me he started coughing up blood and then went into cardiac arrest. He died just hours later. We are all just heartbroken.”
According to Bobby, it has not yet been confirmed whether the death was Covid-19 related and the coroner is now conducting an investigation.
Bobby added: “Jagadeesh was a wonderful friend, father, husband, brother who touched the lives of those around him.”
The sudden death has now left his already grieving family in financial distress as Jag always took care of the bills.”
His wife, Thushara, is from India and does not speak any English, meaning she has been unable to work while caring for her three children.
After his passing, the family could not pay their WiFi bill, which meant they could not get in touch with their family back in India to inform them of the tragedy.
Bobby, who now owns a Nottingham restaurant called 4,550 Miles from Delhi, stepped in to help them through their struggles.
He said: “I feel like it is my responsibility to help them. I paid for their internet bill and brought them food but they really need more help.
“One day they had a husband and father, and the next day he was gone.
“I do not want the children to suffer - to not be able to eat or do activities.
“They have to be able to have lives of their own after this tragedy.”
Bobby has set up an online fundraiser to help raise money for the grieving family as they try to get back on their feet.
He said: “I am so grateful to everyone who has donated so far. I can’t thank you enough. I just hope anyone that can, will help.”
He hopes to be able to raise £10,000. As of yesterday afternoon, the fund stood at just under £6,900.
To find out more and to donate, search “Help Jagadeesh’s Family” at: