TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Preet Harsoda dreamed of making meaningful change in the world.
Now, friends and family are remembering the 27-year-old’s deep compassion, positivity and determination following his tragic passing on Sunday.
Harsoda suffered severe burns and injuries from a massive blaze that engulfed the Social Seminole apartment complex in November. He had been hospitalized as a result of his injuries since the November 19 fire.
The fire at the apartment complex left one building severely damaged, injured eight people and displaced more than 70.
Preet Harsoda, 27, passed away Sunday, after being severely burned when a fire broke out at a building at the Social Seminole apartment complex, his roommate confirmed to WCTV.(Yashkumar Harsoda)
Preet Harsoda’s brother, Yashkumar Harsoda, said his sibling hoped to leave a positive legacy behind.
Yashkumar said his brother was pursuing a master’s degree in information technology at Florida State University (FSU) and wanted to “work on controlling forest fires, pioneer zero-waste solutions to protect the environment, and fundamentally reform the education system to better serve future generations.”
Now, Yashkumar says the family is determined to carry forward his vision and values, ensuring his legacy continues to uplift others.
“Preet harbored ambitious hopes and aspirations that reflected his compassionate, forward-thinking nature, always driven to make meaningful change in the world,” he said.
Preet Harsoda was pursuing a master’s degree in information technology at Florida State University (FSU) and wanted to make meaningful change in the world, according to his brother. (Yashkumar Harsoda)
Despite suffering severe injuries from the fire, Preet continued to harbor a positive outlook.
“After learning that amputation of his legs was necessary, Preet immediately asked if he would still be able to run,” his brother said. “He permitted us to amputate both legs and all fingers in an attempt to save his life because he was incredibly adaptive and looked at the world with a positive view. When he was going through a risky procedure, I asked him if he had any last wishes or last words, He asked me to “BE POSITIVE.”’
Yashkumar says his brother’s death has been devastating for him and his family, leaving a void in their lives.
Judy says his brother’s death has been devastating for him and his family, leaving a void in their lives. (Yashkumar Harsoda)
Yashkumar says now his family needs people to remember his brother’s life and lasting legacy.
“I want people to know that Preet had a heart full of goodness for everyone, with big dreams to fight,” Judy said. “The best way people can help now is by keeping his memory alive by sharing his story and his dreams for a better world.”
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