A GoFundMe set up for the family of Prashanth Sreekumar, 44, who died after allegedly waiting nearly eight hours to see a doctor at the emergency department at Grey Nuns Community Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta, on December 21, surpassed its goal of $150,000 on Monday and that was then increased to $180,000.
Matt Jones, Alberta’s Minister of Hospital and Surgical Health Services, expressing his deepest condolences to Sreekumar’s family and friends, announced that he “has directed Acute Care Alberta (ACA) to jointly review the circumstances and potential contributing factors of this incident alongside Covenant Health.”
He added: “The Ministry of Hospital and Surgical Health Services will support this review as required and work with ACA and Covenant Health to ensure any appropriate actions are taken in response to the findings.”
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said: “I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the family and their loved ones during this difficult time.”
His wife, Niharika, told Indian media in an interview that her pain has been heightened by people telling her that if her husband had been in India, they could have saved him in less than 10 minutes.
Niharika Sreekumar screenshot / @Indian_Analyzer’s X
The GoFundMe says that “according to his family, he did not receive timely medical attention and tragically passed away shortly after reaching triage. His sudden death has left behind a grieving wife and three young children whose lives have been forever changed.”
It adds: “Prashanth faced many challenges while building a life in Canada and Alberta, working hard to provide for his family and contribute positively to the community. No one should have to lose their life while seeking help in a moment of medical need.
“This devastating loss is not only a family tragedy—it raises serious concerns about emergency room wait times, patient safety, and accountability within our healthcare system. Prashanth’s wife has courageously spoken out, asking the difficult but necessary question: Who will take responsibility?
“We are calling for a transparent and independent investigation so the family can receive clarity and answers, and so steps can be taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
“This GoFundMe has been created to support Prashanth’s family during this unimaginable time—helping with immediate expenses, ongoing family needs, and providing stability for his children as they navigate life without their father.
“We ask the community to come together in compassion, support, and solidarity. Let us honor Prashanth’s memory by standing with his family and ensuring that no other family has to endure such a loss.”
Sreekumar’s funeral will be held at Edmonton Crematorium and Funeral Home on December 31 at 11 a.m.
