Indian-origin student Saketh Sreenivasaiah found dead in US: Friend says he 'stopped caring about life' - what we know so far
Times of India
by TOI WORLD DESKFebruary 15, 2026
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A 22-year-old Indian postgraduate student, Saketh Sreenivasaiah, who had gone missing in the United States last week, has been found dead. The Indian Consulate in San Francisco confirmed that local authorities recovered his body from Lake Anza on Saturday afternoon after a days-long search involving sonar equipment, drones, and divers. His backpack, containing his passport and laptop, was found earlier in the Park Hills neighbourhood. Saketh, a student at the University of California, Berkeley, had been pursuing a Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering.
Sreenivasaiah’s roommate identified the man found dead as Saketh on LinkedIn, sharing that his mood had changed significantly two weeks before his disappearance. The roommate noted that Saketh “started eating less and engaging less” and had “stopped caring about life.” This statement highlights a concerning shift in behavior that could have been a sign of deeper distress.
Saketh earned a BTech in Chemical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, where he maintained a CGPA of 8.41. He completed his pre-university education at BASE PU College and his schooling at Sri Vani Education Centre, where he scored 96.5% in his Class 10 exams. Known for his passion for deep tech innovations in soft materials, semiconductors, and advanced materials, Saketh was an accomplished student with a promising future ahead.
The tragic incident has raised questions about the mental health challenges faced by international students, particularly those studying abroad for advanced degrees. Saketh’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and support systems for students navigating life in unfamiliar environments. His untimely death is a loss not just for his family and friends but also for the academic community that he was part of. The Indian Consulate has extended its support to his family, including assistance with repatriation and coordination with local authorities.
This case underscores the global concern surrounding mental health issues among students and the need for robust support systems to address such challenges. As international education continues to grow, understanding and addressing the emotional well-being of students must remain a top priority.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/15/2026