SUNRISE (CBSMiami) – Grieving family and friends gathered on Sunday to celebrate the life of South Florida teenager Venkata Sai Krishnamurthy, who died when his car plunged into a lake.
Krishnamurthy was a senior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School who loved playing basketball.
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Seventeen-year-old Aden Perry, who was walking with his mom and dog, also died when he witnessed the crash and jumped into the lake to try to save the driver. The 17-year-old good Samaritan was a junior at Western High School.
(CBS4)
The crash took place on April 19 in the Residences of Sawgrass Mills neighborhood along NW 12th Avenue near Silver Palm Boulevard, just north of I-595 around 10:20 p.m.
Sunday’s memorial took place near the lake where the crash took place.
Memorial for Venkata Krishnamurthy held on April 24, 2022. (CBS4)
Family friend Andres Pizarro told CBS4 News Venkata, known lovingly as ‘Sai,’ had plans to attend Nova University in the fall on a scholarship.
Pizarro said he was on the phone with his father when the crash happened.
“He was trying to get to Taco Bell after a basketball tournament at a Coral Springs gymnasium and they won the championship. He was headed home from that game, and he was hungry, and he was looking for Taco Bell and the navigation took him here,” explained Pizarro. “Saddest part is, he was talking to his dad as he was going into the water, as he lost control, he was talking to his dad so that’s the toughest for any parent.”
Venkata Krishnamurthy’s family at lakeside memorial on April 24, 2022 (CBS4)
His friends say he was a very special person, committed to his studies, and had big dreams.
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“Sai was amazing. He was about to graduate high school. A 12th grader at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High. He was filled with joy. Everyone who remembered him and got to know him can’t stop talking about his joy. He brought joy everywhere,” said friend Jacob Pizarro.
Another friend, Matthew Veerasammy, echoed the same sentiments.
Venkata Krishnamurthy (Courtesy: Ryan Wolfe)
”Sai was more than a friend to me, he was a brother,” he said. “We love him so much and that we stand here today to affirm his legacy and memory.”
Part of that legacy will come from a scholarship being set up in his name for excellence in basketball, which was his passion.
Teammates are creating a “Play for Sai” scholarship fund.
“Next year, $66,000 total, representing No. 6 for his rec league jersey number, and every year, there is a $6,000 award or value,” explained Veerasammy who said the scholarship is dedicated to excellence in basketball to help those in low-income communities.
Friend Ryan Wolfe said Sai was very dedicated not only to sports but education as well. “His spirituality was something he shared with everyone as well. His smile was everything. It is now the only thing I can of. His joy, his happiness he brought upon others.”
Basketball signed by Venkata Krishnamurthy’s friend at memorial service held on April 24, 2022. (CBS4)
At the service, his friends all signed a basketball with messages of love.
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His visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 26 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Fred Hunter Funeral Home located at 6301 Taft Street in Hollywood. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 27 at 9 a.m. at the same location.
