New Delhi  - More than 60 people across India's southern state of Andhra Pradesh died of shock or committed suicide after powerful regional politician YS Rajasekhara Reddy was killed in an air crash, news reports said Friday.

Reddy, chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, was confirmed dead Thursday after the wreckage of his helicopter was found on a hill in Kurnool district.

Sixty-year old Reddy was among the most powerful politicians belonging to the Congress party that governs India.

Telugu television channels estimated 67 people had died of shock on hearing the news of the death or had committed suicide, unable to bear the loss, the IANS and PTI news agencies reported.

The deaths were reported from 19 out of 23 districts in the state. Most of those who died of shock were watching news of Reddy's death on television.

A large number of those who died of shock or cardiac arrest included young supporters of Reddy and the beneficiaries of welfare schemes launched by him.

"Reddy dedicated his life to people, I am dedicating my life to him," a young man from the West Godavari coastal district wrote in his suicide note before consuming pesticide, the IANS reported.

Following the reports, his son Jagan Mohan Reddy made a televised appeal to people not to resort to extreme steps.

"I appeal to all of you to be patient and brave in this hour of tragedy," Jagan Mohan said.

"He wanted to see a smile on the faces of all and if you resort to such things (suicide), my father's soul will not rest in peace. I request you not to commit suicide," he added.

Some politicians and film-stars in India have acquired cult status as fans hero-worship them and go to extreme lengths to display their affection.

Their popularity is particularly felt in southern India, where huge cut-outs of their images adorn intersections and supporters perform rituals and prayers at temples dedicated to them.

The deaths of popular southern politicians like NT Rama Rao and MG Ramachandran have triggered mass suicides in the region in the past.

This was the first time in the state's history that such a large number of people had died as a result of the death of any political leader, the IANS report said.

Andhra Pradesh was in a state of shock with thousands mourning the death of Reddy, whose political career spanned three decades.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who described Reddy as a "mascot of governance," as well as top Indian leaders were in Andhra Pradesh to attend the funeral scheduled later on Friday.

Huge crowds swarmed state capital Hyderabad to pay homage to the leader whose coffin was kept at the main Lal Bahadur Shastri stadium in the city. (dpa)