Vedanta Chief Anil Agarwal Mourns Son Agnivesh's Sudden Death at 49 from Cardiac Arrest in NYC After Skiing Mishap
Metals tycoon Anil Agarwal's son, and director of Vedanta Group Agnivesh Agarwal, died Wednesday, 49, after cardiac arrest during a skiing accident back in the US.
Aadrika Tayal 
New Delhi (India) January 8: Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal expressed anguish over his son, Agnivesh Agarwal, who died at the age of 49 of a cardiac arrest in New York. Agnivesh was convalescing after a skiing accident in Mount Sinai Hospital in the city.
Anil Agarwal's Heartbreaking Tribute to Beloved Son
Termed the ‘darkest day’ in his life, Anil Agarwal said he felt devastated by the death.
Agarwal said, “My beloved son, Agnivesh, left us far too soon. He was just 49 years old, healthy, full of life, and dreams. Following a skiing accident in the US, he was recovering well in Mount Sinai Hospital, New York. We believed the worst was behind us. But fate had other plans, and a sudden cardiac arrest snatched our son away from us.”
“From a middle-class Bihari family, he grew into a man of strength, compassion, and purpose. The light of his mother's life, a protective brother, a loyal friend, and a gentle soul who touched everyone he met,” he added.
Anil Agarwal to Donate 75% Wealth
Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal has made it clear by now that he shall give away over 75% of all his wealth to humanity. Agarwal said that Agnivesh had “a strong belief in building a self-reliant India”.
“We shared a dream to ensure that no child sleeps hungry, no child is denied education, every woman stands on her own feet, and every young Indian has meaningful work. I had promised Agni that more than 75% of what we earn would be given back to society. Today, I renew that promise and resolve to live an even simpler life,” he said.
PM Modi's Condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took the grief of Agnivesh Agarwal through his speech earlier on Wednesday.
Modi said, "The untimely passing of Shri Agnivesh Agarwal is deeply shocking and saddening. The depth of your grief is evident in this touching tribute. Praying that you and your family find continued strength and courage. Om Shanti.”
Agnivesh Agarwal's Stellar Career
It is claimed that Agnivesh's studies did not get him to Vedanta Group straight away. Instead, he became an internationally educated professional who was familiar with the world of finance, worldwide business models and corporate governance which would enable him to make a significant contribution to Vedanta when he came back to India.
Agnivesh founded Fujairah Gold during his career and he was the Chairman of Hindustan Zinc - one of India’s biggest integrated zinc producers. He also served on the board of Talwandi Sabo Power Limited (TSPL), a leading private thermal power plant in Punjab.
Vedanta Empire Rocked: Legacy of ₹3.39L Cr Taxes
Vedanta is now one of the world’s biggest producers of zinc, lead, aluminium and silver and is valued at about ₹83,000 crore in its market capitalisation. Forbes has written the number as Anil Agarwal’s personal wealth being around ₹35,000 crore, making him the richest person from the state of Bihar.
He is the 16th in the Hurun India Rich List 2025 and 4th in the NRI Wealth Creators. Over the last 8 years, Vedanta has contributed in excess of ₹3.39 lakh crore in taxes to the Indian exchequer.
Agarwal’s abrupt death has left the Agarwal family and the Vedanta Group reeling. No notification of the final rites has been given; however, condolences from people with mourning wishes continue to come flooding in.
