‘Heartbroken beyond words’: Indian-American Savitha Shan’s parents break silence after daughter killed in Austin shooting
The devastated family of 21-year-old University of Texas student Savitha Shan, who was shot to death by a gunman at an Austin bar, released a statement after their daughter was identified as the second victim of the shooting. “It is with profound sadness and immeasurable sadness that we announce the tragic passing of our beloved daughter Savitha during the recent terrorist attacks. She was 21 years old and our only child. We are heartbroken beyond words,” the statement read. “Savitha was an intelligent, compassionate and deeply caring young woman whose presence brought warmth, comfort and joy to everyone who knew her,” the statement read. “She was a diligent student at the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin, where she pursued her studies with determination and excellence. Sge believed in hard work, service to others and living with integrity.” “Her sudden and heartbreaking passing has left an irreplaceable void in our lives and the lives of all who loved her. This loss feels unreal and profoundly unfair, and the spaces she once illuminated are now filled with sadness. As we mourn this unimaginable loss, we also keep the other victims of this tragedy in our hearts,” the statement said.
MMA star Jorge Pedersen identified as third victim
In the early morning hours of Sunday, March 1, a shooting occurred at the Buford Bar on West Sixth Street in Austin. The third victim has been identified as Jorge Pederson. The 30-year-old mixed martial arts star was taken to hospital where he died after being taken off life support. Ryder Harrington, 19, and Savitha Shan, 21, were identified as the first and second victims.
Savitha Shan’s Indian Origin Controversy
The gunman, Ndiaga Diagne, a 53-year-old Senegalese immigrant, was wearing a sweatshirt with an Iranian flag and the words “Property of Allah” written on it. While several politicians spoke out against immigration and more than 70 Texas Republicans wrote to Congress urging a halt to all immigration, many haters commented that Savitha shouldn’t be in the country either. American Internet celebrity Andrew Branca wrote: “Savitha Shan should not be allowed to enter our country.” At the same time, many people reminded him that Savitha was born in the United States and is a Texan in the true sense.
