The body recovered Saturday from Lake Anza in Tilden Regional Park has been identified as Saketh Sreenivasaiah, a graduate student at UC Berkeley, authorities confirmed. The discovery brings a somber end to a days-long search for the 22-year-vintage, who had been missing since Tuesday.
Sreenivasaiah, pursuing a master’s degree in Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at UC Berkeley, was last seen in the 1700 block of Dwight Way, near McGee Avenue, according to a Nixle alert issued by Berkeley police. The search intensified after his backpack, containing his passport and laptop, was found on a doorstep in the Park Hills neighborhood, adjacent to Tilden Regional Park.
Divers with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office located the body just after 2 p.m. On Saturday, February 14, 2026. The Contra Costa County coroner’s office has taken over the investigation to determine the cause and manner of death. Access to Lake Anza and surrounding trails were closed to the public during the recovery operation, which involved the East Bay Regional Park District, Berkeley police, and the sheriff’s office.
The Consulate General of India in San Francisco confirmed Sreenivasaiah’s identity and expressed condolences to his family. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this profoundly hard time,” the consulate wrote on X (formerly Twitter) shortly before 4 p.m. Saturday. “The Consulate stands ready to 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. Our consular officers are in direct contact with the family and will support them with all required formalities and services.”
Sreenivasaiah’s roommate shared a poignant message on LinkedIn Saturday, expressing shock and grief. He revealed that Sreenivasaiah’s mood had shifted in the two weeks prior to his disappearance, noting he had “started eating less and engaging less,” and had seemingly “stopped caring” about life. “I didn’t expect this from a friend who lived, ate, travelled, laughed and joked with me. It hurts,” the roommate wrote, adding, “life as an international student is tough, man.” He also stated he was working with authorities to bring Sreenivasaiah’s family from India to the United States.
Search Efforts and Initial Reports
The initial search for Sreenivasaiah began Tuesday after he was reported missing. Authorities focused their efforts around Lake Anza on Thursday, utilizing sonar, drones, and divers in the search. Police described Sreenivasaiah as 6 foot 1, 160 pounds, with short black hair and brown eyes. He was identified as being of Indian descent. According to his LinkedIn profile, Sreenivasaiah previously earned an undergraduate degree from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras.
Authorities had initially reported that Sreenivasaiah was reportedly upset about a relationship, but the full circumstances surrounding his disappearance remain under investigation. The Berkeley Scanner first reported on the search for Sreenivasaiah on February 13, 2026.
Support and Resources
The tragic outcome of the search underscores the importance of mental health resources. UC Berkeley offers mental health support at 510-981-5900 (limited hours), and Alameda County provides a 24-hour crisis line at 800-309-2131. The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available at 988. More mental health resources in Alameda County are available here.
The coroner’s investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not released further details at this time. The focus now shifts to supporting Sreenivasaiah’s family and providing resources for those impacted by this loss.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out for help. The resources listed above are available to provide support and guidance during difficult times.
