AN “outstanding” Scots student has been killed in a car crash while visiting family in America.
Dundee University postgraduate student Nikhil Rodrigues’s car burst into flames after he crashed it into a tree.
His injuries were so severe he could only be identified by DNA testing.
The 27-year-old was described by friends as a “wonderful spirit” who had made a “deep impression” on his family and friends.
Nikhil was visiting friends and family in Maine at the time of the incident.
He died on June 14 just before midnight.
Friends of the Indian US citizen have paid moving tribute to Nikhil on a tribute Facebook page.
One friend wrote: “RIP Nikhil Andrew Rodrigues, Your Dundee Family will forever miss you.”
Ciiru Mathenge wrote: “One of the happiest people I met, with such a wonderful spirit. You are loved”
Jacklyn Okorie wrote: “RIP Nik, you will surely be missed. I remember our last conversation just like yesterday and all I can do is smile amidst the sorrow. Sleep well my friend.”
Oloba Oluwajoba said: “Nik you were just too awesome and still u are in ma memories. Really sad but trust you are in a better place. Luv u bruv and missing u already.”
Another friend, Gagan Deka, said Nikhil visited him in a dream where he said: “Trust me, here, happiness is abundantly available. Take care, Dundonians. Wait for my next adventure :))”
Nikhil grew up in California and Boston where he graduated in energy finance from Northeastern University.
He then enrolled in the masters programme for energy finance at Dundee University in January and made a “deep impression” on his friends and staff at the Centre for Energy, Petroleum and Mineral Law and Policy.
Nikhil’s parents Sunil and Maryrose Rodrigues have been invited to the university later this year to collect their son’s postgraduate degree.
Gillian Pallis, associate dean at Dundee, said: “Nik was an out-standing young man who made a deep impression on all who met him.
“When he joined our programme he was so enthused by the experience of being in a room with 100 other post-graduates from around the world to discuss energy issues facing global communities.
“His death is a devastating loss for his family and for his many friends in Dundee. The shocking news of his death will now be spreading in a ripple effect to people back in their home countries.”
Nikhil leaves a sister and extended family in India and the United States.
