Tamil Nadu student dies in UK after being pulled out of Birmingham canal

A 25-year-old student from Tamil Nadu who was pursuing his postgraduate degree in the UK died after being pulled from a canal in the city of Birmingham, police said on Monday.

Jeevanth Sivakumar, a student at Aston University in Birmingham, was found in the Worcester and Birmingham canal at Matrons Walk, Selly Oak, by West Midlands Police in the early hours of Wednesday. The West Midlands Ambulance Service was called in but they later said in a statement that it sadly became apparent nothing could be done to save the man.

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Death ‘not suspicious’

His death is not being treated as suspicious and will be referred to the coroner in due course, West Midlands Police said in a statement on Monday, adding that it is no longer a police matter.

The Indian National Students Association (INSA) UK’s Aston University chapter is assisting with coordinating the repatriation of Sivakumar’s body to his family in Coimbatore. “As the INSA team, we are deeply saddened to announce the tragic and unexpected loss of our dear, Jeevanth Sivakumar. We come together with heavy hearts to honour and commemorate the beautiful life he lived,” INSA UK said in a statement.

“INSA is dedicated to providing every possible assistance to make sure his body reaches home safely. Let us remember Jeevanth Sivakumar with love, compassion, and gratitude. Together, we will honour his legacy and find strength in the bonds we share as a community,” it said.

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Aiding repatriation

Aston University is assisting with the process of repatriation and Associate Pro Vice Chancellor for Students Alison Levey said the university was deeply saddened to hear about the death of one of its “valued members”. “Our thoughts continue to be with his family and friends at this difficult time. Jeevanth was a valued member of Aston University and we know his loss is being felt by many. We are doing everything we can to support his family, friends and the wider student and staff community,” said Levey.

“We continue to maintain regular dialogue with his immediate family through a variety of channels. We would also like to reaffirm our commitment to facilitate full repatriation to his family when permitted to do so, in line with guidance from HM Coroner and in liaison with the Consulate General of India. We will in the meantime continue to cooperate with the relevant UK authorities,” she said.

(With agency inputs)