Pratik Pandey, a 35-year-old Indian-origin software engineer at Microsoft, was found dead at the company’s Silicon Valley campus in Mountain View, California, in the early hours of August 20.
According to police reports and family accounts, Pratik had badged into the office on the evening of August 19 and was discovered unresponsive the next morning.
Authorities responded to the scene around 2 a.m.
The Santa Clara County medical examiner has not yet released the cause of death.
However, Mountain View Police confirmed that there were no signs of suspicious activity or foul play, and the case is not being treated as a criminal investigation.
A Promising Career at Microsoft Cut Short
Pratik was part of Microsoft’s Fabric team, a division focused on data analytics products that compete with platforms like Snowflake.
He reported to Scott Guthrie, Microsoft’s Executive Vice President of Cloud and AI.
Known for his dedication and work ethic, Pratik frequently worked late hours, a detail confirmed by family members and colleagues.
Before joining Microsoft in 2020, Pratik held roles at Walmart Labs, Apple Inc., and Illumina.
He earned his master’s degree from San Jose State University and had built a reputation as a skilled engineer and a supportive teammate.
His LinkedIn profile reflects a steady progression through some of the most competitive tech environments in the U.S..
Family and Community Mourn the Loss
Originally from Indore, India, Pratik’s death has left his family and friends in deep grief.
His parents and two sisters still reside in India, and arrangements are underway to repatriate his remains.
A viewing service was held in Fremont, California, on August 29, in accordance with Hindu traditions.
Family members emphasized the importance of cultural rites in helping them process the loss.
His uncle, Manoj Pandey, spoke to local media, describing Pratik as “a jubilant, hard-working and successful young man.”
He also raised concerns about the pressures of overwork in the tech industry, urging companies to monitor employee well-being more closely.
“That will probably save a life,” he said.
Pratik Pandey’s story is one of ambition, achievement, and community.
His journey from Indore to Silicon Valley, marked by academic success and professional growth, resonates with many in the Indian diaspora.
As his family prepares to bring him home, his legacy continues to be honored by those who knew him—through remembrance, reflection, and renewed calls for compassion in the workplace.
Reflections on Work Culture and Mental Health
Pratik’s passing has sparked conversations within the tech community about work-life balance and the culture of long hours.
While Microsoft has not commented publicly on the incident, the company is reportedly conducting an internal review.
Colleagues and friends have taken to social media to share memories and express condolences, describing Pratik as a “joyful soul with a radiant smile” who loved soccer and was always willing to help others.
The incident has also prompted calls for greater awareness around mental and physical health in high-pressure work environments.
Researchers have not established a direct link between his work schedule and his death.
However, the timing and circumstances have prompted many to reflect on the broader implications of sustained overwork.
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