A dad-of-three died suddenly just hours after taking a smiling selfie in hospital where he had gone due to backache.
Jagadeesh (Jag) Kovval's death has left his family and friends in shock after the suddenness of what happened at Leicester Royal Infirmary last Wednesday, reported LeicestershireLive.
His heartbroken wife, son, aged 11 and two daughters, aged 7 and 17, are trying to come to terms after he went into cardiac arrest and died, having been diagnosed with a lung infection that had spread to his throat.
Jag's best friend who worked with him at Leicester restaurant, Shimla Pinks Bobby Singh said he and the family are in "utter shock and disbelief."
On Wednesday at around 1am, Jag was taken to hospital after complaining of backache and he sent his friend Bobby a selfie from his hospital bed, smiling.
Bobby told LeicestershireLive: "After doing tests the doctors said it was a lung infection that had spread to his throat.
"They told me he started coughing up blood and went into cardiac arrest. He died just hours later. We are all just heartbroken."
According to his best friend, it has not yet been confirmed whether the death was Covid-19 related and the coroner is now conducting an investigation.
Bobby added: "Jagadeesh was a wonderful friend, father, husband, brother who touched the lives of those around him."
The sudden death has now left his grieving family in financial distress as Jag took care of the bills.
His wife, Thushara is from India and does not speak any English, meaning she has been unable to work while caring for her three children.
After his passing, the family could not pay their internet bill, and so it was difficult for them to get in touch with their family back in India to inform them of the tragedy.
Bobby, who now owns a Nottingham restaurant, '4550 Miles from Delhi' stepped in to help them.
He said: "I feel like it is my responsibility to help them. I paid for their internet bill and brought them food but they really need more help.
"One day they had a husband and father and the next day he was gone. I do not want the children to suffer - to not be able to eat or do activities.
"They have to be able to have lives of their own after this tragedy. I am so grateful to everyone who has donated so far. I can't thank you enough. I just hope anyone that can, will help."
Bobby has set up a GoFundMe to help raise money for the grieving family as they try to get back on their feet after the sudden passing of their loved one.
