Double tragedy: doctor dies while trying to save brother from heart attack

A HEARTBREAKING double tragedy struck Stanger when Dr Yogendiran Kista collapsed and died from a heart attack while attempting to save his brother Mahendran, who was already suffering from one.

The respected GP and teacher siblings passed away just 35 minutes apart and were laid to rest in a joint funeral ceremony on Sunday.

Dr Yogendiran (Yogen) Kista, 57, had received a distress call from his brother, Mahendran (Smiley) Kista, 59, a teacher at Darnall Secondary School, on Wednesday.

Mahendran's son, Mikhail Kista, said his father felt ill and called Yogendiran and then him for help.

“My dad was struggling to breathe. He called my uncle and I for help. I arrived at his home first and immediately saw that he was in severe distress. As my uncle arrived with an oxygen tank my dad suffered a heart attack. 

“While my uncle and I tried to resuscitate him and check his vitals, my uncle suddenly collapsed from a heart attack. Paramedics arrived within minutes and worked on my uncle, but sadly they were unable to save him. 

“My dad had already died before the ambulances arrived. They passed away within 35 minutes of each other - my dad at 1:55pm and my uncle at 2:30pm,” said Mikhail.

Mahendran had three sons and was a teacher for 35 years.

He was looking forward to his retirement next year.

Yogendiran, a father of one, was as a general practitioner in Stanger, and also lectured at the UKZN Public Health Department. 

Both brothers were accomplished sportsmen at school, Mikhail said.

He said Yogendiran placed 13th in the top 30 in his matric year in 1986.

“He was passionate about wildlife and spent a lot of time in the game reserves. He runs a YouTube/instagram channel called Doc of the Bushveld,” he added.

The brothers were cremated after a joint funeral at the Stanger Siva Sungum Hall.

POST