Parents of OpenAI whistleblower intensify dispute over suicide ruling: 'He would not harm himself'

A 26-year-old OpenAI researcher died in his San Francisco home in November 2024, and the medical examiner ruled the death a suicide. His parents believe he was killed and are expanding their effort to challenge the official ruling. The researcher had worked as an engineer helping train artificial intelligence and data collection systems behind ChatGPT. He had publicly raised concerns about OpenAI’s conduct, including alleged violations of U.S. copyright law, and he was listed as a key witness in a lawsuit. A month before his death, he said AI chatbots were destroying the commercial viability of the internet. His parents say he would not harm himself and want those responsible held accountable.

"Suchir Balaji's death was ruled a suicide by the San Francisco medical examiner, but his parents, Poornima Ramarao and Balaji Ramamurthy, believe he was killed and are calling for further investigation."

"“Proving that it was a homicide, first and foremost,” says Ramarao. “Our son is very courageous. He would not harm himself. Second thing is bringing to light whoever did this, take them to justice.”"

"Balaji, who was an engineer helping train the artificial intelligence and data collection systems behind ChatGPT, was listed in court filings as a key witness in a lawsuit that accuses OpenAI of practices that broke the law."

"Balaji had previously stated in his interview with the New York Times, a month before he died, that AI chatbots are destroying the commercial viability of the internet."

Read at ABC7 San Francisco