Karnataka student death in San Francisco: What we know so far

Saketh Sreenivasaiah from Karnataka, a student in the United States pursuing a master's degree at the University of California, Berkeley, who had been reported missing, has been found dead. The Consulate General of India in San Francisco confirmed the recovery of his body on February 15.

Saketh, a Master of Science student at UC Berkeley, was missing since the morning of February 12, 2026. On Sunday, San Francisco Consulate confirmed his death.

Saketh was enrolled in a Master of Science programme at UC Berkeley and held an Indian passport bearing number X6971715.

Upon receiving the news, his family sought urgent assistance from Indian government and the Karnataka government. The family confirmed that their son's housemate was the first to alert authorities after being unable to trace him and that the police complaint was then filed promptly.

A formal missing person complaint was lodged with the Berkeley Police Department, which registered the case as Case No. 26-6726 after he could not be traced anywhere.

The family requested the Government of India, through the Consulate General of India in San Francisco, to coordinate with local US authorities.

On Sunday, San Francisco Consulate took to their official X handle, confirming his death.

"The Consulate deeply regrets to inform that local police have confirmed the recovery of the body of the missing Indian student, Saketh Sreenivasaiah. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this profoundly difficult time," the post read.

It further added that the Consulate will provide all necessary assistance to the family, including coordination with local authorities and arrangements for the repatriation of mortal remains to India at the earliest.