HomeNewsIn Loving Memory of Sakshi Kannan

In Loving Memory of Sakshi Kannan

It is with profound sorrow that we share the devastating news of the sudden passing of Sakshi Kannan, a cherished wife of our colleague Kannan Govindaraj, sister of our former colleague Amit Khurana, devoted mother, and well-loved colleague. On January 11th, at just 33 years old, Sakshi passed away due to cardiac arrest while in labor at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, MA.

Sakshi was a dedicated PhD student at the Developmental BioEngineering group at our university, who was in the final stages of completing her doctorate. She was deeply loved by her colleagues for her kindness, quiet presence, and warm smile. She had a gentle presence, always full of warmth and kindness, and ready to help anyone in need. Her contributions to our research community were profound, as she worked alongside her team to unravel the molecular mechanisms of cartilage and osteoarthritis. She also supervised many Bachelor’s and Master’s students in the lab, inspiring and guiding them with her patience and generosity.

Sakshi’s life was a testament to love, perseverance, and compassion. She was eagerly anticipating the arrival of her second daughter, who entered the world amidst this unimaginable tragedy. Her husband, our colleague Kannan, is now facing the heartbreaking loss of his wife while lovingly caring for their two young daughters—one just five years old and the other a newborn.

This unimaginable loss leaves a void that can never be filled. As we mourn Sakshi, we remember her as a beacon of warmth, dedication, and strength.

May her soul rest in peace, and may her memory live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know her. Let us honor Sakshi’s life by supporting her family through this incredibly difficult time.

On behalf of the Faculty Board S&T and the Developmental BioEngineering group,

Dr. Ing. Janine Post and Prof. dr. Marcel Karperien


Through this donation page, we can collectively support Kannan and his two young daughters so that they can have a safe and loving future despite this immense loss.