UC Berkeley Student Saketh Sreenivasaiah Found Dead After Search

The 22-year-old Indian national was pursuing a master's degree at UC Berkeley.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The body of Saketh Sreenivasaiah, a 22-year-old Indian student at the University of California, Berkeley, was recovered on Sunday, February 15, 2026, bringing an end to a six-day search. Sreenivasaiah had been missing since February 9th, after last being seen near a lake at Tilden Regional Park in California. Local police initiated a search operation, and authorities later located his body, though details surrounding the circumstances of his death have not yet been released.

Why it matters

Sreenivasaiah's death is a tragic loss for the UC Berkeley and Indian student communities. As an accomplished student focused on deep-tech innovation, his passing is deeply felt by those who knew him. The circumstances around his disappearance and death raise concerns and questions that authorities will need to investigate further.

The details

Saketh Sreenivasaiah was pursuing a Master of Science in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at UC Berkeley, specializing in Product Development. Prior to his studies at Berkeley, he earned a Bachelor of Technology degree in Chemical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras. During his time at IIT Madras, Sreenivasaiah held research positions and was actively involved in extracurricular activities, serving in leadership roles within E-Cell IIT Madras.

  • Sreenivasaiah was last seen on February 9, 2026.
  • His body was recovered on February 15, 2026.

The players

Saketh Sreenivasaiah

A 22-year-old Indian student pursuing a master's degree in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley.

Sreenivasaiah

Saketh Sreenivasaiah's father, who reported his son missing and was actively seeking information.

Indian Consulate in San Francisco

The Indian diplomatic mission that stated it is prepared to assist Sreenivasaiah's family with coordinating the repatriation of his remains to India.

IIT Madras E-Cell

The entrepreneurship cell at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, which issued a statement acknowledging Sreenivasaiah's passing and his contributions and impact.

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What they’re saying

“We must assist Sreenivasaiah's family with coordinating the repatriation of his remains to India.”

— Indian Consulate in San Francisco (world-today-news.com)

What’s next

Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding Sreenivasaiah's death, and the Indian Consulate in San Francisco is prepared to help his family repatriate his remains to India.

The takeaway

Saketh Sreenivasaiah's tragic passing is a devastating loss for the UC Berkeley and Indian student communities. As an accomplished young scholar focused on deep-tech innovation, his death raises concerns and questions that will require thorough investigation by authorities.