Dubai, UAE – [Wednesday, October 22, 2025] – The vibrant Diwali celebrations in Dubai were tragically overshadowed by the sudden death of an 18-year-old Indian expatriate student and recipient of the prestigious UAE Golden Visa. The outstanding student, a former school head boy, reportedly collapsed during festivities on Tuesday night, leaving his family, friends, and entire academic community in profound shock and devastation.
The deceased has been identified as Vaishnav Krishnakumar, a first-year BBA Marketing student at Middlesex University in Dubai.
Sudden Collapse in Academic City
Vaishnav Krishnakumar reportedly collapsed while attending a Diwali celebration in the Dubai International Academic City. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital by ambulance, but attempts to revive him were unsuccessful.
His grieving family confirmed to media that the hospital recorded “death on arrival due to cardiac arrest.” The family also stated that the Dubai Police Forensic Department is conducting further tests to ascertain the exact circumstances of the sudden passing.
According to his parents, VG Krishnakumar and Vidhu Krishnakumar, Vaishnav had no known underlying cardiac issues and was reportedly particular about exercising regularly and maintaining a balance between his mental and physical well-being. He is survived by his parents and his younger sister, Vrishti Krishnakumar.
‘Exceptionally Brilliant’ Student
Vaishnav was widely celebrated for his all-round abilities and was described as an “exceptionally brilliant” student who inspired many of his peers and teachers.
His stellar academic record included scoring 97.4% in the CBSE Class 12 Board Examinations (2024-25), with a perfect centum (100/100) in both Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Following this distinction, he was awarded the UAE Golden Visa.
In his previous school, GEMS Our Own Indian School (OIS), Dubai, Vaishnav was the Head of School Councils last year, where he spearheaded numerous student-led events. He also served as the President of the Model United Nations Club and the President of the OIS Debating Society. Vaishnav’s mother, Mrs. Vidhu Krishnakumar, is a teacher at the same school.
Beyond his academic and extracurricular prowess, Vaishnav was also active on social media, undertaking unique projects that offered financial advice, lifestyle motivation, and workout routines. Family sources shared that he had completed internships with multiple Dubai companies and harboured the ambition of becoming a successful entrepreneur.
University and School Mourn the Loss
The passing of the young student has deeply affected the academic community.
In a statement, Middlesex University expressed their profound sadness: “Vaishnav was an exemplary student, respected for his academic contributions and admired for his kindness, humility, and the warmth he brought to those around him… We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Krishnakumar family during this difficult time.”
GEMS Our Own Indian School, where Vaishnav completed his schooling, issued a circular to parents sharing the “heartbreaking news.” The school praised him as a “compassionate student who guided and supported many of his schoolmates and was truly a star pupil.”
In his honour, the school announced adjustments to upcoming activities, including the quiet observation of Pink Day and the rescheduling of The Family First Carnival and Open House events.
The family, who hail from the south Indian state of Kerala, are currently coordinating with the relevant authorities to complete the repatriation procedures to fly Vaishnav home for the funeral.
