BERKELEY CALIFORNIA, A 22-year-old graduate student at the University of California, Berkeley, who had been reported missing, was found deceased at Lake Anza several days later.
Saketh Sreenivasaiah, an international student from India pursuing a master’s degree in chemical engineering, was last seen on February 9 near the lake in the Berkeley Hills, approximately three miles from campus. His backpack, which contained personal belongings including his passport and laptop, was discovered nearby, prompting a multi-day search.
Dive teams located his body on February 14. Authorities have not announced a final cause of death, and officials have stated there is no indication of foul play. The Contra Costa County coroner is handling the case.
The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office led the search operation, which involved sonar equipment, drones, and dive teams. The Indian Consulate General in San Francisco confirmed the recovery and extended condolences to Sreenivasaiah’s family, offering assistance with arrangements.
In a social media post, roommate Baneet Singh reflected on changes he observed in Sreenivasaiah’s behavior in the weeks before his disappearance. Singh noted that his roommate appeared withdrawn and less engaged than usual. He later shared that he now believes those signs may have indicated personal struggles.
Sreenivasaiah was a graduate of IIT Madras and had completed his earlier education in Bengaluru. According to his professional profile, he was listed as a co-inventor on a patent related to a microchannel cooling system. Friends and classmates described him as intelligent, dedicated, and kind.
University officials have not released additional details. The Berkeley community continues to mourn the loss as support resources remain available for students and faculty.
