Neeru Sharma a disabilities blogger dead at 38

Neeru Sharma, a disabilities blogger for The Detroit News, died this morning in William Beaumont Hospital. Neeru was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, which causes fragile bones.

Ms. Sharma suffered a massive heart attack on Saturday (01/16) while having dinner with friends. As a result, she was put on a ventilator in order to breathe. Ms. Sharma did not recover and was disconnected from the ventilator this morning (01/18).

The world came to know of Neeru's untimely passing via her brother Naveen Sharma's facebook status update:

The world has lost a great person today, as my elder sister Neeru Sharma passed away this morning at the young age of 38 years old. Neeru was a very vibrant woman and she will be missed by all. The viewing is going to be from 3pm - 8pm on Tuesday January 19th 2010 followed by the funeral at 10am on Wed. January 20th 2010 at the same location. I am sure Neeru will love to see all her freinds there.

The viewing and funeral will be held at E. J. Mandziuk & Son Funeral Directors, Inc., 3801 18 Mile Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48314 ph: 586-997-3838.

Detroit News reports:

Ms. Sharma, a resident of Sterling Heights, worked as a long-term forecast analyst for General Motors' market & industry analysis division. She obtained a bachelors of science degree from the General Motors Institute and a master's degree from Oakland University.

"She tried to get (information) about disability awareness out," said Naveen Sharma about his sister. "She was a very independent person. She went to Europe, Denmark ... she traveled like crazy. She had millions of friends." Ms. Sharma is survived by her brother, Naveen, and her parents, Gurdev and Vimal Sharma.