Shruti, a 24-year-old woman from Kerala's Wayanad district, who was still recovering from the loss of her entire family in the recent catastrophic landslides, suffered another blow on Wednesday when her fiancé succumbed to injuries sustained in a car accident. The 27-year-old, Jenson, who had been in critical condition following the accident on Tuesday, passed away at 8:50 pm, according to a spokesperson from Dr. Moopen Medical College, where he was being treated, reported PTI.
Shruti, an accountant at a hospital in Kozhikode district, lost nine members of her family, including her parents and younger sister, in the landslides that struck Chooralmala and Mundakkai villages of the Meppadi panchayat on July 30. Her only source of support during this period was Jenson, her fiancé, with whom she had been engaged since June 2 after a decade-long courtship.
Just days before the accident, on August 29, the couple had visited the Puthumala graveyard, where some of Shruti's family members were buried, and reaffirmed their commitment to each other. They had initially planned a grand wedding in December but decided to have a simple court-registered marriage in September due to the circumstances.
On September 10, Jenson was critically injured when his car collided head-on with a private bus. Shruti and other family members of Jenson, who were also traveling in the car, sustained injuries as well. Jenson, who worked for a car cleaning company, was brought to the hospital in critical condition with multiple injuries, including excessive bleeding from his nose and brain.
Rahul Gandhi Express Condolence To Shruti
Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP, expressed his heartfelt condolences to Shruti. Reflecting on her strength, he said, "During our visit to the Meppadi camp, where Wayanad's landslide victims were being sheltered, Priyanka and I learnt about Sruthi and her enduring strength. Despite having suffered the devastating loss of several family members, she remained resilient and brave we were told."
He said: "Today, I am deeply saddened to learn that she has faced yet another heartbreaking tragedy—the loss of her fiancé, Jenson. Sruthi, my heartfelt condolences are with you during this incredibly difficult time. Please know that you are not alone in your grief. My wishes are also with you for a speedy recovery."
"May you find the strength and courage to carry on with the same unwavering spirit," he added.
The tragedy comes after Shruti lost her home, around Rs 4 lakh in cash, and approximately 15 sovereigns of gold in the landslides that claimed over 200 lives.