A dad-of-three suddenly died just hours after sending a smiling photograph to his best friend when he went into hospital with back ache.
Jagadeesh (Jag) Kovval passed away on Wednesday August 11, leaving behind a devastated family.
The 49-year-old was initially admitted to hospital in the early hours of the morning after complaining of back pain but he soon started to cough up blood and went into cardiac arrest.
His wife, son, aged 11 and two daughters, aged 7 and 17, are all heartbroken by his sudden passing, LeicestershireLive reports.
Jag's best friend Bobby Singh, who worked with him at Leicester restaurant Shimla Pinks, says he and the family are in "utter shock and disbelief."
Jag even sent his friend Bobby a selfie from his hospital bed, smiling.
Bobby said: "After doing tests. The doctors said it was a lung infection that had spread to his throat.
"They told me he start 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 adds: "Jagadeesh was a wonderful friend, father, husband, brother who touched the lives of those around him."
The sudden death has now left his already grieving family in financial distress as Jag always 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 WiFi bill, which meant they could not 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 through their struggles.
He says: "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.
To find out more information about the family and to donate, click here to visit the donation page.
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