In memoriam: Vanshaj Agarwal

Vanshaj Agarwal passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 6, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Vanshaj was a senior in the College of Engineering and majored in aerospace and ocean engineering and had planned to return to Virginia Tech in the fall as a master’s student. He was also a member of various student organizations such as Hindu YUVA, the Indian Students Association, and Kala.

Vanshaj’s friends shared that he always kept those around him in the best of spirits and always filled a room with laughter. He was a super energetic and optimistic person, who loved music as he enjoyed singing and playing the guitar and piano. 

Vanshaj was born Oct. 8, 2001, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and is survived by his parents, Sandeep and Shalini Agarwal, and his sister, Priya Agarwal.

Vanshaj's last rites were conducted on March 8 at a funeral home in Charlotte. His pious ashes are being taken by his family to India for his final journey in embracing the arms of Lord Vishnu.

The family is very proud of Vanshaj's achievements and wants to thank his enormous circle of friends who gave extensive support to them in this tough time. The family would like to also thank the Dean of Students Office and the entire engineering department for making Vanshaj a proud Hokie and bringing the best out of him during his time at Virginia Tech.

The Virginia Tech community realizes that the death of a friend, teammate, or student is difficult, and we are here to offer our support. Those in the Virginia Tech community who need assistance or counseling services may contact:

• TimelyCare
  
• Better Together
• Cook Counseling Center at 540-231-6557.
• Dean of Students Office at 540-231-3787. Referral to a campus cleric may be made through this office.
• Employee Assistance Program
  • Anthem at 855-223-9277
  • Aetna at 888-238-6232
  • Kaiser Permanente at 866-517-7042
  • Optima Health Vantage HMO at 866-846-2682
• Hokie Wellness at 540-231-2233 (students) or 540-231-8878 (employees)
• Office of Housing and Residence Life at 540-231-6205
• Equity and Accessibility at  540-231-2010
• University Ombuds Office at 540-231-3125
• Graduate Office of the Ombudsperson at 540-231-9573