Vaishnav Krishnakumar, an 18-year-old BBA (Marketing) student at Middlesex University Dubai, was the embodiment of youthful promise, intellectual achievement, and cultural pride. His prestigious UAE Golden Visa recognized his academic excellence, and his story was an inspiration to the Indian expat community in Dubai and Kerala. His untimely death during Diwali celebrations left many in shock, drawing widespread tributes and attention to the tragedy.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Family Background
Vaishnav was born and raised in Dubai to VG Krishnakumar, who has worked in the UAE for two decades, and Vidhu Krishnakumar, a teacher at GEMS Our Own Indian School. His family originally hails from Chennithala, Alappuzha, Kerala. Vaishnav grew up with his younger sister, Vrishti, and the siblings were active in Dubai’s Indian expat circles. Family and friends in Kerala recall their last visit for a housewarming ceremony two years ago, underscoring their strong ties with their homeland despite living abroad.
Academic Success and Recognition
Vaishnav excelled in his studies, scoring 97.4% in CBSE Class 12 and topping his class in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. He was the Head Boy and Chairman of the School Council at GEMS Our Own Indian School, and also led the Model United Nations club. His outstanding achievements earned him the UAE Golden Visa, which permits exceptional students to live, study, and work in the UAE without a sponsor for up to ten years.
At Middlesex University Dubai, Vaishnav continued to impress with his leadership and dedication. He took part in internships at Dubai-based companies and ran social media projects on financial advice and lifestyle motivation.
Personal Qualities and Community Involvement
Vaishnav was beloved by peers and teachers alike for his humility, diligence, and drive. Friends called him “a tycoon in the making,” and he took pride in supporting his family, even working part-time to purchase university essentials. GEMS School described him as “an ideal student and friend who was always striving to improve himself”.
His contributions extended beyond academics—he was remembered for motivating others, sharing wellness routines, and being deeply connected to his family values. Middlesex University and GEMS School both issued official condolences and postponed events in his honor.
UAE Golden Visa: A Badge of Excellence
The UAE Golden Visa is a coveted status granted to individuals who demonstrate exceptional talent or achievement. For students, it recognizes consistent academic merit and opens doors to advanced career opportunities in the Emirates.
Vaishnav’s Golden Visa symbolized the remarkable potential of Indian-origin youth and set a benchmark for future generations.
The Tragic Diwali Incident: What Happened?
On October 22, 2025, just a day after Diwali, Vaishnav joined friends at a student accommodation in Dubai International Academic City for festive celebrations. He danced with fellow students for almost an hour and appeared exhausted shortly after. Surveillance footage noted him resting at a restaurant within the premises. Moments later, Vaishnav collapsed suddenly.
A security guard quickly called for emergency help. Despite prompt paramedic assistance and a rushed hospital transfer, Vaishnav was declared “brought dead due to cardiac arrest.” His family confirmed he had no known heart conditions, and Dubai Police began a forensic investigation into the sudden death.
Medical Response and Investigation
The Dubai Police Forensic Department concluded that Vaishnav’s cause of death was cardiac arrest, with hospital staff concurring on the natural cause. Additional tests were conducted to confirm the absence of underlying health issues, as family members stated he was disciplined about fitness and well-being.
Arrangements were made to repatriate his body to Kerala, and the family completed paperwork to fly home for final rites.
Community Mourning and Official Statements
News of Vaishnav’s passing sparked grief among friends, teachers, and the wider Indian diaspora. Social media tributes and condolence messages poured in, with GEMS School postponing the Pink Day, Family Carnival, and Open House events in his memory. The principal and CEO, Lalitha Suresh, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of an “outstanding student”.
Middlesex University paid tribute, highlighting his positive impact on student life and his conscientious approach to academics and social responsibility.
Life Lessons and Reflections
Vaishnav’s life and untimely death offer poignant lessons in perseverance, humility, and the unpredictability of human health. His journey stands as a testament to the values of hard work, familial devotion, and the pursuit of excellence amid global opportunities.
His story also brings attention to the need for awareness about young individuals’ cardiac health, even among those with active lifestyles.
Aftermath and Family Support
The family has received support from both the Dubai Indian community and expat groups in Kerala. Friends and school networks have rallied to help with funeral arrangements. The Krishnakumars are described as resilient, with Vaishnav’s father and mother dedicating their lives to their children’s growth and happiness.
Conclusion
Vaishnav Krishnakumar’s legacy—marked by academic brilliance, kindness, and the honor of receiving the UAE Golden Visa—will continue to inspire students in Dubai and India. His premature death during Diwali celebrations is a somber reminder of life’s fragility, but his story endures in the hearts of all who admired his courage and drive.
FAQs
1. Who was Vaishnav Krishnakumar?
Vaishnav was an 18-year-old student of Middlesex University Dubai, UAE Golden Visa recipient, and a resident of Dubai born to Kerala-origin parents.
2. What caused his death during Diwali in Dubai?
Vaishnav died of a sudden cardiac arrest while celebrating Diwali at Dubai International Academic City. He collapsed following festive dancing and was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.
3. Did Vaishnav suffer from any pre-existing medical conditions?
According to family and forensic reports, Vaishnav had no known underlying heart ailments or health concerns and maintained a disciplined lifestyle.
4. What is the UAE Golden Visa and why was Vaishnav awarded one?
The UAE Golden Visa is a residency permit granted to individuals with exceptional academic, professional, or artistic achievements. Vaishnav received his for topping CBSE in Marketing and Entrepreneurship and leading school activities.
5. How has the community responded to his death?
Tributes and condolences flooded in from schools, friends, and the broader Indian community in Dubai and Kerala, with memorials and postponed events in his honor.
6. Where is Vaishnav’s family from originally?
Vaishnav’s family hails from Chennithala, Alappuzha, Kerala, though they have lived in Dubai for more than 20 years.
7. What steps were taken after the incident?
Authorities investigated the cause of death, arranged for repatriation of the body to Kerala, and family and friends are organizing last rites and memorial events.
8. What lessons does Vaishnav’s story offer?
His life encourages young people to strive for excellence, balance ambition with humility, and reminds us to stay aware of cardiac health—even among active, fit youth.
