Annie Surman Obituary — Columbia Graduate, Former NASA Intern | MongoDB Suicide Lawsuit Update & Company Response
UNITED STATES — The death of Annie Surman, a 28-year-old Columbia University graduate and former NASA intern, has drawn national attention following a lawsuit filed by her family against MongoDB. The legal action alleges that workplace conditions and the termination of her health benefits while she was on medical leave contributed to a decline in her mental health prior to her death.
Annie Surman was a California native known for her academic excellence and scientific achievements. She earned her degree from Columbia University, conducted neuroscience research at Columbia Medical Center, and previously interned with NASA, where she assisted on projects related to the Mars Rover program. In 2021, she joined MongoDB as a Technical Program Manager.
Career and Academic Background
Surman was widely regarded as a high-achieving professional with a strong background in science and technology. Her academic and research credentials reflected years of dedication to STEM fields. Colleagues and family members described her as intelligent, driven, and passionate about her work.
At MongoDB, she held a role that involved coordinating technical initiatives within the company’s engineering environment. However, according to court filings submitted by her parents, her workload and workplace stress reportedly contributed to a significant decline in her mental health.
Mental Health Struggles and Medical Leave
Legal documents filed in Manhattan Supreme Court state that Annie experienced severe anxiety and depression linked to “extreme work stress.” Her parents, Greg Surman and Karen Connolly, allege that she frequently communicated feelings of emotional exhaustion and despair, at times expressing an inability to perform basic daily activities.
In April 2024, Annie took a one-month medical leave to focus on her mental health. The lawsuit claims MongoDB initially agreed to extend her leave through September 2024. However, on July 31, 2024, the company allegedly reversed its position and requested that she return to work the following week.
According to the family, MongoDB also terminated her health insurance coverage on the same day, despite being aware that she was undergoing ketamine therapy for depression, a treatment her doctors believed could help stabilize her condition within weeks.
Employment Termination and Family Concerns
The lawsuit alleges that Annie’s parents contacted MongoDB and requested that the company allow her additional time to recover, even without pay or job security. They stated that their primary concern was her emotional stability during a vulnerable period.
Despite these pleas, MongoDB allegedly terminated Annie’s employment on August 8, 2024. Shortly after receiving the termination email, Annie reportedly messaged her mother expressing distress over the situation.
Her parents claim the loss of employment, benefits, and support further worsened her mental health.
Annie Surman’s Death
Court filings state that one month after her termination, Annie Surman died by suicide after overdosing on a substance she ordered online. She was 28 years old.
Her death has since become the subject of legal action and widespread discussion about corporate responsibility, mental health support, and employee treatment during medical leave.
Lawsuit Against MongoDB
The Surman family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit alleging that MongoDB’s actions contributed to their daughter’s mental health deterioration. The case asserts that the company acted “cruelly” by canceling her benefits and terminating her employment while she was undergoing treatment.
As of this report, MongoDB has not publicly admitted wrongdoing. The legal process is ongoing, and the company has not issued a detailed public response addressing the specific allegations.
Public and Industry Reaction
The case has sparked conversations across LinkedIn, Reddit, and professional communities about:
- Workplace mental health policies
- Medical leave protections
- Corporate responsibility
- High-pressure tech culture
Some current and prospective employees have questioned how MongoDB’s HR and leadership handled the situation, while others have called for broader reform across the technology sector.
Remembering Annie Surman
Annie Surman is remembered by her family as a brilliant, compassionate, and deeply driven young woman whose life was shaped by academic excellence and scientific curiosity.
Her legacy includes:
- NASA research contributions
- Columbia University scholarship
- Neuroscience research
- Professional leadership in tech
Her parents continue to advocate for mental health awareness and stronger workplace protections in her memory.
Mental Health Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. In the United States, confidential support is offered through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7 by call or text.
Final Reflections
The death of Annie Surman has raised difficult but important questions about employee wellness, corporate accountability, and mental health support in high-pressure industries. While the lawsuit against MongoDB remains unresolved, Annie’s story has already influenced broader discussions about how companies respond to vulnerable employees.
Her life, achievements, and memory continue to inspire calls for compassion, understanding, and meaningful change.
