The family of Nvidia AI researcher Irfan Al-Hussaini is challenging an official finding that his death was a suicide, saying the conclusion has left them confused and urging authorities to stop his planned cremation.
Al-Hussaini, 32, was discovered unconscious at his home in Palo Alto in July and died eight days later.
Relatives say the ruling does not align with what they know about his final hours, including that he had given a professional presentation just hours before he was found.
“So he was fine. Everyone thought he did a good job. Everything seemed normal,” his sister told NBC Bay Area. Friends have also questioned the suicide finding, according to a petition seeking justice for Al-Hussaini.
“The doctors reported that he suffered from irreversible brain damage due to lack of [blood] supply to his brain for half an hour to an hour.
“Irfan’s colleagues’ statements, the timeline of the 911 call, and what the doctor reported raises serious questions about what conspired that morning,” the petition states.
The petition describes Al-Hussaini as “very successful” in his career, while also alleging that his marriage was in “shocking disarray.” His family is asking that his body be preserved, arguing that potential physical evidence must not be lost.
Relatives traveled to Sacramento to submit a formal complaint and emergency petition to the office of California Attorney General Rob Bonta. The cremation is scheduled for Thursday, and the family is pressing to have it halted.
“We fear that important physical evidence will be lost because the body might be [cremated] anytime now, so we really want the Attorney General to step in and intervene and make sure that the body is properly investigated,” his sister, Sarah Al-Hussaini, said.
The Nvidia researcher’s loved ones hope a re-examination is in the works so the circumstances surrounding his death can be determined.
“Irfan’s voice can no longer be heard – but we seek answers, accountability, and justice in his name. Anyone with evidence, firsthand information, or relevant experiences is urged to come forward and help bring the truth to light,” his friends wrote.
