September 15, Monday: People claim that “Life is like a rollercoaster, you never know what’s going to happen next. Enjoy the ride.” The quote always reminds the unpredictability of life, as a 40-year-old man tragically died minutes after texting his boss to request sick leave, a poignant example of life's vulnerability that serves as a constant reminder of life's unpredictable nature. The incident that occurred on September 13, 2025, has shocked colleagues, family, and online communities, illustrating that even people who appear to be in good health can experience sudden and unforeseen health problems.
KV Iyyer, the approving manager of Mr. Shankar, described him as a "healthy and fit" team member who had been with the company for six years and lived a disciplined lifestyle. He was married, a father to a young child, and abstained from smoking and alcohol.
At 8:37 am, Shankar messaged Iyyer as part of his morning routine, expressing severe back pain and asking to be excused for the day. Iyyer, accustomed to such daily requests, simply responded, "Ok, take rest," and continued with his work. Just 10 minutes later, at 8:47 a.m., Shankar experienced a fatal cardiac arrest while still conscious and at home.
Mr Iyyer got the news around 11 am via a phone call, which he initially dismissed in disbelief as he was in shock to process the information. He contacted another colleague for confirmation and Shankar's address, then rushed to the residence, only to find the news was true.
He wrote on X, "One of my colleagues, Shankar, texted me this morning at 8.37 am with a message, 'Sir, due to heavy back pain, I am unable to come today. So please grant me leave." Such a leave request, being usual, I replied, "OK, take rest". And the day continued normally. At 11 am, I received a call that shook me like never before. The person calling me said that Shankar has passed away. I didn't believe it in the first instance. I called another colleague to reconfirm and to get his residence address. Got the address and rushed to his house. He was NO MORE."
Discussions concerning the hidden health risks and silent killers that arise from disregarding general well-being have once again surfaced in this incident. Social media users noted that while initially innocuous symptoms like headache, fever, cough, back pain and stomach and digestive problems can be a sign of more serious underlying health problems. It is advised to have routine health examinations even for minor concerns and to consult medical experts for advice on long-term issues.
