Saudi Gazette report

Jeddah — After 11 years, Saudi student Fares Al-Salameh was returning home from the US after completing his higher studies and doctorate.

But his happiness proved to be short-lived as Salameh died of natural causes before returning to Buraidah, in northcentral Saudi Arabia.

Preparations are being made to repatriate Salameh’s body, said Saudi Cultural Attaché in the US Dr. Mohammed Al-Essa, confirming that he died of natural causes and there was no foul play.

Salameh was sent on a scholarship to the US by Majmaah University to pursue higher studies in the field of computer science.

“My brother was away from home for almost 11 years pursuing higher studies. He could not visit his home even when his mother died,” said Salameh’s brother Saleh.

Some 55,806 Saudi students on scholarships were studying in US universities last year.