Nearly $1 Million Raised for Texas Teen Who Was Orphaned After Entire Family Killed in Fiery Car Crash

Mar. 15, 2025

Arvind Mani, Pradeepa Arvind and Andril Arvind, who died in a car crash in Texas on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024.Photo:GoFundMe

GoFundMe

Nearly $1 million has been raised to support a Texas teenager who was orphaned after a car crash claimed the lives of his entire family.

The driver of the Telluride, 45-year-old Arvind Mani, of Leander, was identified as Adiryan’s father, while his mother, Pradeepa Arvind, 40, and sister Andril Arvind, 17, were the passengers. The two occupants of the Cadillac were also killed.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

On Sunday, Venkatachalam halted donations to the GoFundMe campaign after more than $878,000 was raised to support Adiryan following the tragedy.

While Andril was starting her freshman year in college, Adiryan was starting his freshman year in high school, per the GoFundMe.

“Our most sincere thanks to each and every one of you for partaking in this for helping and supporting Adiryan’s future,” Venkatachalam said in an update shared to the website.

Arvind and Pradeepa “were a wonderful couple” who were “an integral part of our Austin Indian community,” according to Venkatachalam.

Andril was planning to attend UTD for computer science, added Venkatachalam, who did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

Rouse High School principal Vincent Hawkins confirmed in a letter to parents that Andril was a member of their 2024 graduating class, according to theAustin American Statesman.

“This news has brought great sorrow to our campus and has impacted many in our community,” Hawkins continued. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Andril’s family and friends."

source: people.com