Aspiring to visit all seven wonders of the world, a young business student tragically lost her life after being shot by a pro-Iran terrorist while celebrating with friends.
Savitha Shan, age 21, became the second casualty of a shooting in Austin during the early hours of Sunday morning when a gunman unleashed fire in a crowded bar.
The Austin Police Department identified Shan alongside Ryder Harrington, 19.
They also reported that a third victim’s life support would be discontinued on Monday, with 13 others injured in the incident.
Shan was on the verge of completing her studies in management information systems and economics at the University of Texas.
Before attending UT, she was a student at the Liberal Arts and Science Academy in Austin.
She gained practical experience through an internship at Staples in Framingham, Massachusetts, for 11 weeks in 2024, and spent three months at PriceWaterhouseCoopers last year.
Her LinkedIn profile highlighted her hands-on experience, stating, “With expertise in technology strategy consulting, product management, and business analytics, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of organizations, from global financial institutions to early-stage startups.” Shan was also active in Raas Roedo, which runs traditional Gujarati folk dance events in Austin.
Introductions on the group’s social media revealed her ‘bucket list item’ was to visit all seven wonders of the world, and her dream car was a Range Rover.
Her favorite food was the creamy jalapeno at local Mexican chain Chuy’s and Spiderman was her favorite superhero.
Raas Rodeo posted a statement online about the shooting about the time that police identified Shan, but didn’t mention her by name.
UT President Jim Davis announced Shan’s death to students and staff in an email on Monday, also confirming other UT students were among the wounded.
‘A child of loving parents.
A loyal friend to many.
A Longhorn preparing to change the world.
It is devastating, and I know all of us are grieved by this horrible news and we will remember her,’ he said.
‘Some of [the injuries] are very serious and we are hoping for the best outcomes, while others are on the path to recovery.
‘I have met with many of these families and will continue to pray for them.’ Shah, who legal last name was Shanmugasundaram, was the daughter of Muthian Shanmugasundaram, a director at Stealth Mode Biotech in Boston.
He was previously a senior staff scientist at Thermo Fisher Scientific in Austin for 17 years where he made several discoveries until he went to Stealth in 2023.
Harrington was mourned as ‘a beloved son, brother, and friend’ by the Beta Theta Pi chapter at Texas Tech, where he was a member of the Fall 2024 pledge class.
‘Ryder had a rare ability to truly enjoy life to make people laugh, to make moments feel bigger, and to make ordinary days unforgettable,’ it said.
‘If anyone embodied what it meant to live fully and love deeply, it was Ryder.’ ‘His character and genuine spirit made our chapter stronger and our friendships deeper.
The energy he carried, the joy he spread, and the way he made everyone feel welcome are things we will never forget.
‘He made the world around him better simply by being in it.’ His older brother, Reed Harrington, mourned him online as the ‘best mix’ of....



