UC Berkeley Student Saketh Sreenivasaiah Found Dead at Lake Anza

Saketh Sreenivasaiah, a 22-year-vintage graduate student at the University of California, Berkeley, was found dead near Lake Anza on February 14, 2026, after being reported missing since February 9, 2026. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.

Details of the Case

Sreenivasaiah, a master’s student in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, was last seen in the 1700 block of Dwight Way near McGee Avenue, according to the Berkeley Police Department [1]. His body was recovered by county dive teams at Lake Anza.

The Consulate General of India in San Francisco confirmed the recovery of Sreenivasaiah’s body and extended condolences to his family and loved ones [2], [4]. They are working with authorities to facilitate the repatriation of his remains to India.

Background and Education

Sreenivasaiah was originally from Tumakuru, Karnataka, India [2]. He completed his undergraduate studies at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras in 2025 before beginning his master’s program at UC Berkeley [4].

Reported Behavioral Changes

According to his roommate, Baneet Singh, Sreenivasaiah had exhibited changes in behavior in the weeks leading up to his disappearance. Singh noted that Sreenivasaiah had been eating less and withdrawing from social activities [1]. Singh also shared instances of Sreenivasaiah expressing a lack of concern for his appearance and a general sense of apathy [3].

Police informed Singh that Sreenivasaiah died by suicide [1]. Authorities have not yet released detailed findings on the cause or circumstances of death, and the investigation remains ongoing [2].

Resources for Support

If you or someone you understand is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available. In the United States, you can call or text 988 to be connected to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline [3].