40-Year-Old Employee Dies Of Heart Attack 10 Minutes After Requesting Sick Leave For Back Pain

In a tragic and unforeseen incident, a 40-year-old employee died of a sudden cardiac arrest just minutes after applying for sick leave. The man, identified as Mr. Shankar, had been working with his company for six years and was widely regarded as a disciplined and healthy professional.

According to his manager, K.V. Iyyer, Shankar was a non-smoker, abstained from alcohol, and lived a simple, family-oriented life. He is survived by his wife and young child.

The Final Message

At 8:37 a.m., Shankar sent a text to his manager complaining of severe back pain and requesting the day off. Iyyer, treating it as a routine message, replied, "Ok, take rest."

Just ten minutes later, at 8:47 a.m., Shankar reportedly collapsed at home due to a cardiac arrest. Despite efforts, he could not be revived.

The shocking news reached his manager only around 11 a.m., when a call informed him of Shankar's passing. Initially in disbelief, Iyyer confirmed the news with another colleague and rushed to Shankar's residence, where he was devastated to learn the truth.

Viral Post on X

Sharing the incident on X (formerly Twitter), Iyyer wrote:

"One of my colleagues, Shankar, texted me this morning at 8.37 am with a message, 'Sir, due to heavy back pain, I am unable to come today. So please grant me leave." Such a leave request, being usual, I replied "OK,k take rest". And the day continued normally. At 11 am, I received a call that shook me like never before. The person calling me said that Shankar has passed away. I didn't believe it in the first instance. I called another colleague to reconfirm and to get his residence address. Got the address and rushed to his house. He was NO MORE."

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DEVASTATING INCIDENT WHICH HAPPENED TODAY MORNING :-

One of my colleague, Shankar texted me today morning at 8.37 am with a message
"Sir, due to heavy backpain I am unable to come today. So please grant me leave." Such type of leave requests, being usual, I replied "Ok take…

— KV Iyyer - BHARAT (@BanCheneProduct) September 13, 2025 >

The post has since gone viral, drawing thousands of reactions from shocked netizens.

Online Reactions

Many social media users expressed grief while also raising awareness about hidden heart attack symptoms.

• "Life is truly unpredictable... may his soul rest in peace," one user wrote.
• "Back pain, fatigue, and shoulder pain can sometimes indicate heart issues. Please don't ignore such signs," another warned.

Several others offered condolences, praying for strength to the bereaved family.

Health Experts Caution

Doctors highlight that early signs of heart attacks are often misinterpreted as gastric trouble, muscle strain, or fatigue. Warning symptoms include:

• Unexplained back or shoulder pain
• Sudden fatigue or sweating
• Nausea or lightheadedness

Experts emphasize that immediate medical attention within the first hour to 90 minutes—often called the "golden period"—can drastically improve survival chances.

A Wake-Up Call

Shankar's untimely passing serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of life and the importance of timely medical care. His story has now become a point of reflection across online communities, with many urging people not to dismiss unusual or sudden physical discomfort.