The donation site gofundme.com has received more than $38,000 to date, from donors around the country to meet the needs of the family of Mani Chandra Teja Gaddam, a young (28) software engineer in Massachusetts, after he was killed in a July 12, 2026 skydiving accident.
Following the hashtag- “# In Loving Memory of Mani Chandra Teja Gaddam: Support for His Family” — more than 777 people have sent monies ranging in amount from $10 to $1,000, according to the account, https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-mani-chandra-tejas-family-y8ceu, set up by a cousin Naga Annam.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the heartbreaking loss of our beloved cousin, **Mani Chandra Teja Gaddam**, who tragically passed away on **July 12, 2026**, in a skydiving accident in Orange County, Boston, MA,” the site says.
Gaddam was enrolled at Jumptown Skydiving at Orange Municipal Airport, Orange, Mass.
ADVERTISEMENT
According to the Northwestern District Attorney’s office, in a post on July 13:
“On Sunday at approximately 4 p.m., first responders were dispatched to Jumptown Skydiving in the town of Orange following a report of a serious skydiving accident.
A preliminary investigation indicates that Mani Chandra Teja Gaddam, 28, of Boston, fell to the ground from a height of approximately 30 feet when a sudden and unexpected gust of wind interfered with his parachute. He was transported to Athol Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
The accident remains under investigation by the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office, the Massachusetts State Police Crime Scene Services Section, the Orange Police Department, and the Federal Aviation Administration.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of death”.
The story behind the young man is moving and representative of what families in India, and possibly other countries, go through and sacrifice, to see their children succeed and thrive in America.
We learn from the account given on the gofundme site that “Chandra was an exceptionally bright, kind, and hardworking young man with a passion for learning and embracing new challenges.”
“His family made countless sacrifices throughout his life, moving from Vijayawada to Hyderabad to support his education and investing their savings to help him achieve his dreams.”
“Through his dedication and their unwavering support, he graduated from Northeastern University, MA and had recently begun his professional career.”
Following his passions, Chandra or Mani as he is called by family members and friends, the young professional had recently earned his **A License** in skydiving “and was excited to continue exploring the sport he loved and the adventures that lay ahead.”
Chandra’s sudden death “has left his family devastated, both emotionally and financially. We are raising funds to help ease the financial burden during this incredibly difficult time, including funeral and related expenses,” the gofundme site says.
“Every contribution, no matter the amount, will make a meaningful difference and help support the family that gave everything to help him build a brighter future,” it adds.
“If you’re unable to contribute, please consider sharing this fundraiser. Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and prayers as we remember and honor Mani Chandra Teja,” the family entreats.