This is the first time in the state's history that such a large number of people have died over the death of any political leader.

YSR, as the late leader was popularly known, has surpassed in death the popularity of actor and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) founder N.T. Rama Rao who died in 1996.

A large number of those who died of shock included young supporters of YSR and the beneficiaries of the various welfare schemes launched by him in the last five years.

The deaths were reported from 19 out of 23 districts in the state.

In the coastal district of West Godavari, six people died of shock and four committed suicide.

'YSR dedicated his life to people, I am dedicating my life to him,' a youth wrote in his suicide note before consuming pesticide.

A physically handicapped couple, who were getting monthly pension under a welfare scheme, attempted suicide by jumping into the Godavari river but were saved by fishermen.

In Hyderabad, 42-year-old Yadgiri died of shock while watching news of YSR's death on television. M. Srinivas, 30, another admirer of the chief minister suffered a cardiac arrest.

The charred bodies of YSR and four others were found Thursday morning in the Nallamala forest in Kurnool district, almost 24 hours after their helicopter went missing.