Hyderabad, Feb 24 (IANS): Help poured in for the family of Srinivas Kuchibhotla, who was shot dead by a former American naval serviceman in Kansas in the US.

Kuchibhotla, 32, from Hyderabad, was killed and his friend Alok Madasani, from Warangal, was injured when Adam Purinton shot the two at a bar in Olathe city on Wednesday evening.

They were working as aviation programme managers at Garmin, an electronics manufacturer.

Purinton mistook the Indians for "Middle Easterners" and yelled "Get out of my country" before opening fire.

Ian Grillot, 24, was injured when he tried to intervene.

A GoFundMe page created to collect money to help Kuchibhotla's family has crossed its $150,000 goal, raising nearly $250,000 in 11 hours.

More than 6,700 people, including Americans, have donated $248,404 on the page created by Kuchibhotla's friend Kavipriya Muthuramalingam.

"Srini was the kindest person you would meet, full of love, care and compassion for everyone. He never uttered a word of hatred, a simple gossip, or a careless comment. He was brilliant, well mannered and simply an outstanding human being," the page says.

"His wife Sunayana and his family are now faced with incredible grief and a multitude of expenses. We've set up this fund to help them with the funeral expenses and other ongoing grief/recovery support costs."