Late OpenAI whistleblower’s mother disputes his suicide

The mother of late OpenAI whistleblower Suchir Balaji has questioned the official ruling on her son’s death and called for a full investigation, in an interview with American journalist Tucker Carlson, released on Thursday. 

Poornima Ramarao argued that crucial evidence contradicts the suicide determination, and said her son was troubled by OpenAI’s alleged unethical practices before his death.

Ramarao also noted that her son had been in possession of documents that could have damaged the company. “He had the documents against OpenAI,” she stated, adding that the files contain critical information, and that efforts are now being made to retrieve them.

Balaji, a 26-year-old AI researcher, was found dead in his San Francisco apartment on November 26, 2024. Authorities ruled his death a suicide, but his family has disputed the conclusion, citing inconsistencies in the official investigation. In response to public scrutiny, the San Francisco Police Department later updated the status of Balaji’s case from “Closed – Suicide” to “Open and Active Investigation.”

Balaji had resigned from OpenAI in August 2024, voicing concerns over the company’s alleged misuse of copyrighted material for AI training. In an interview with The New York Times weeks before his death, Balaji stated that OpenAI’s data practices could be in violation of copyright laws.

During her interview with Carlson, Ramarao claimed that forensic evidence contradicted the official account. Specifically, she pointed to the autopsy, which determined that the bullet angle was 30 to 45 degrees, which she argued was inconsistent with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. She further stated that the private autopsy had also revealed additional head injuries, suggesting signs of a struggle. “There is a head injury on the left side of the head,” she stated.

Ramarao described her son’s last days, recalling that he had returned from a trip with friends in high spirits, and had made career plans. “He had a non-profit in mind. He didn’t want to take a salary for his work. He said, ‘Mom, I have enough resources. I want to serve humanity,’” she recalled. She questioned how someone so focused on the future could take his own life.

She also accused OpenAI of failing to acknowledge Balaji’s contributions to the company. “He was vital in the ChatGPT team... but the irony is, he was never acknowledged by OpenAI,” she said. According to Ramarao, OpenAI only contacted the family regarding Balaji’s stock options, not to offer condolences or support.

The family has continued to call for an independent investigation into Balaji’s death. “We want justice. We want the death sentence to the one who killed my son, as well as imprisonment for people who are behind it,” Ramarao told Carlson.