City mourns Dr. Ramesh Peramsetty of Tuscaloosa, who died Friday

The city administration, its employees and patients throughout the region mourn the loss of “Tuscaloosa doctor” Ramesh Peramsetty, who died Friday afternoon.

Peramsetty was the well-known founder and medical director of a group of local physicians known as the Crimson Network, which included Alabama Family Medical Care, both locations of Crimson Care, Crimson Village, and the Tuscaloosa Weight Loss Center.

Earlier this year, a city street off Veteran's Memorial Parkway was named after Peramsetty to recognize his impact on the area. Additionally, a city holiday was declared in his honor last spring to recognize his 25 years of serving patients and his role during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Crimson Care network issued a brief statement Friday confirming his death. He was 63 years old.

“As many already know, we have been informed of the passing of Dr. Ramesh Peramsetty,” they wrote. “The Peramsetty family asks that we grant them privacy in their grief. They have received much love and trust. We will continue to honor him as he would have expected us to. Thank you for your understanding.”

“I am simply devastated by the loss of one of my dearest and closest friends,” said Tuscaloosa City Council President Kip Tyner. “He had a heart of gold and his willingness to help others was unmatched. He loved this city, he loved his family and friends deeply and he cared for his patients as if they were all his family.”

Following his passing, our thoughts are with Dr. Peramsetty’s family, patients and staff.