Indian techie Chiranjeevi Kolla died on May 5 in Walnut Creek, California. (Image: GoFundMe page)
A 37-year-old Indian-origin tech professional has died in California after contracting Valley Fever, a rare fungal infection, according to a fundraiser set up by his family on GoFundMe.
Chiranjeevi Kolla died on May 5 in Walnut Creek after spending nearly a month in intensive care. The fundraiser, created by a relative, said he is survived by his wife, Pavani Marella, and their five-year-old son.
“He was the kind of person who never raised his voice and was respected by everyone around him,” the post said.
According to the fundraiser, Kolla first developed flu-like symptoms, including a persistent cough, in early April. As his condition worsened, he went to the emergency room, where doctors initially suspected severe pneumonia.
“Tests later confirmed Valley Fever, which severely affected his lungs,” the post said.
Story continues below this ad
He was later placed on a ventilator in the ICU. After about 30 days of treatment and respiratory support, he died on May 5.
The fundraiser said his wife stayed with him throughout his hospitalisation while also caring for their young son.
“He kept asking when his father was coming home,” the post said. It added that Kolla was the family’s primary earner, and the funds will be used for hospital bills, funeral arrangements in the US and India, daily expenses, childcare, and the child’s education.
Valley Fever, or coccidioidomycosis, is caused by inhaling spores of the Coccidioides fungus, found in soil in parts of California and the southwestern United States.
Story continues below this ad
Most people experience mild or no symptoms. In some cases, the infection can become severe and affect the lungs. Common symptoms include fever, cough, chest pain, fatigue, and breathing difficulty.
Health experts say serious cases are uncommon but can occur, especially in people with weakened immunity or underlying conditions.
The Express Global Desk at indianexpress.com which delivers authoritative, verified, and context-driven coverage of key international developments shaping global politics, policy, and migration trends. The desk focuses on stories with direct relevance for Indian and global audiences, combining breaking news with in-depth explainers and analysis.
A major focus area of the desk is US immigration and visa policy, including developments related to student visas, work permits, permanent residency pathways, executive actions, and court rulings. The Global Desk also closely tracks Canada’s immigration, visa, and study policies, covering changes to study permits, post-study work options, permanent residence programmes, and regulatory updates affecting migrants and international students.
All reporting from the Global Desk adheres to The Indian Express’ editorial standards, relying on official data, government notifications, court documents, and on-record sources. The desk prioritises clarity, accuracy, and accountability, ensuring readers can navigate complex global systems with confidence.
Core Team
The Express Global Desk is led by a team of experienced journalists and editors with deep expertise in international affairs and migration policy:
Aniruddha Dhar – Senior Assistant Editor with extensive experience in global affairs, international politics, and editorial leadership.
Nischai Vats – Deputy Copy Editor specialising in US politics, US visa and immigration policy, and policy-driven international coverage.
Mashkoora Khan – Sub-editor focusing on global developments, with a strong emphasis on Canada visa, immigration, and study-related policy coverage. ... Read More
Share
Indian techie Chiranjeevi Kolla died on May 5 in Walnut Creek, California. (Image: GoFundMe page) 
