Tributes have been made to an astronautics student who tragically died after being pulled from the sea in Brighton with her "dreams cut short".
Sai Tejaswi Kommareddy, 24, who was studying a master's in astronautics and space engineering at Cranfield University, in Bedford, died after being found in the water during Storm Noa last week.
A huge emergency response was triggered following reports of a person in the water, on April 11, but despite finding her near Brighton Marina, Ms Kommareddy later died at the Royal Sussex County Hospital.
A Cranfield University spokeswoman said the university is "deeply saddened" by Sai's death and is supporting her family, friends, and the university community.
The master's student was vice president of the CranSEDS association, the university's branch of UKSEDS (UK Students for the Exploration and Development of Space), which is made up of students who are passionate about space exploration.
"Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with her family and friends at this incredibly difficult time," said the spokeswoman.
"We know this loss is devastating and we are supporting friends, family and our wider student and staff community.
"We would encourage anyone affected by this news to reach out to our wellbeing team for support and advice."
Her cousin Pradeep Reddy Lekkala has set up a gofundmepage to help pay for Sai's body to be repatriated to India.
The page stated: "Unfortunately, her life was cut short, and we are left with a heavy heart and a deep sense of loss.
"As we try to come to terms with our grief, we are also faced with the difficult task of repatriating Sai's remains to her home country. This process has been challenging, both emotionally and financially. On behalf of her parents (Shashidar Reddy and Joythi), I am now seeking your support to help cover the expenses of Sai's repatriation and funeral.
"Sai was a driven and hardworking individual who dreamed of pursuing a career in aeronautics and space. She had a natural curiosity and a thirst for knowledge that inspired everyone around her. She had already made significant progress in her studies, but her dreams were cut short before she could achieve her full potential."
The rescue mission began at around 4.30pm but despite the efforts of coastguard crews from Brighton and Shoreham along with a helicopter, police and ambulance staff, the student was in too serious a condition to be saved when she reached hospital.
A witness said that emergency services tried to save the 24-year-old's life by performing CPR.
She was taken away on a stretcher by paramedics, but tragically her death was confirmed the next day by Sussex Police, who said they were not treating the incident as suspicious.
A police spokesman said: "Emergency services conducted a search off Brighton beach shortly after 4pm on Tuesday, April 11. Sadly, the body of a woman was found.
"Her next of kin have been informed. Her death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be prepared for HM Coroner."
An inquest into Sai's death opened in Brighton on Monday and has been adjourned until November 6.
