Sun Dec 07 06:17:23 UTC 2025: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hyderabad Woman Dies in Albany, NY House Fire; Friends and Family Mourn
HYDERABAD, INDIA – DECEMBER 7, 2025 – The Hyderabad community is reeling after the death of 24-year-old Sahaja Reddy Udumala in a house fire in Albany, New York. Udumala, a Cyber Security Master’s student, succumbed to severe burn injuries sustained in the December 4th blaze.
Udumala, a Ramanthapur native who moved to the U.S. just over a year ago, is remembered by friends as a bright and friendly young woman. Childhood friend Elizabeth, who reconnected with Udumala just weeks before the tragedy, expressed profound regret at not reaching out sooner.
“I should have just texted her,” Elizabeth lamented, describing a friendship that began in St. Joseph’s School in Habsiguda and was built on shared memories of school prayers, Christmas programs, and childhood games. A minor misunderstanding had separated the two, but a recent Instagram request hinted at a rekindled connection that will now never be.
The Albany Police Department reported that firefighters responded to the fully engulfed house on December 4th and rescued four adults, who were then transported to a hospital for treatment of severe injuries.
A fundraiser organized by Udumala’s cousin, Rathna Gopu, has already raised over $109,000 to cover funeral expenses, repatriation costs, and family support. Udumala reportedly suffered burns to 90% of her body and succumbed to organ failure despite medical efforts.
The loss has deeply impacted those who knew her, with Elizabeth struggling to cope with the “painful” memory of her childhood friend. “If I had just video-called her once, at least I would have seen her face before,” she said.
Udumala also volunteered as a cybersecurity analyst for Saayam, a non-profit organization.
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