Umar Malick, former president of Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC), a US-based advocacy group of Indian expats, passed away on Monday in Santa Clara, California. He was around 50 years old.

IAMC confirmed the death in a press statement saying they are saddened by the sudden demise of Malick.

He was one of the founding members of the group who will be known for his service to the cause of peace and justice in India. He took several initiatives in both the US and India, including in his local community in the San Francisco Bay Area, the group said.

Malick who orginally hailed from Tamil Nadu in India is survived by his wife and three children and also parents in India. Malick worked for Google as a principal engineer.

“His sincerity, dedication and passion made him a luminary who dedicated his life so others could have a better life. Just before his demise, he was working on a critical project for IAMC. His passing is a tremendous loss for Indian Muslim advocacy and for the Muslim Ummah.

“The news of his death has shocked and grieved all of us at IAMC who knew him personally and professionally. May Allah (SWT) grant him Maghfirah and the highest abode in Jannah and may Allah (SWT) give Sabr to all his loved ones (Ameen),” IAMC said in a note

Malick was hospitalised on December 13 to get a stent in his heart. Shortly after the procedure, he complained of breathlessness and within an hour his condition deteriorated. His end came before the doctors could attend to him, IAMC said.

The funeral will be held at Masjid An-Noor in Santa Clara, CA.