Mountain View, California, August 29, 2025 – The Indian tech community mourns the loss of Pratik Pandey, a 35-year-old software engineer of Indian origin, who was found deceased at Microsoft’s Silicon Valley campus in Mountain View, California. Pandey entered the office on the evening of August 19, 2025, and was discovered dead in the early hours of August 20, 2025, between 2–3 a.m. The Santa Clara County medical examiner is still investigating the cause of death, with no official determination yet.
Incident Details
Pandey, a dedicated professional at Microsoft since 2020, was known for his late-night work sessions, as confirmed by a family member who spoke with the company and requested anonymity. Mountain View Police responded to the scene around 2 a.m. on August 20, reporting no evidence of foul play or suspicious activity. The case is not being treated as a criminal matter. However, concerns have emerged over an alleged 42-hour delay by Microsoft in notifying authorities, prompting District Attorney Jeff Rosen to call for a detailed investigation.
Microsoft has yet to release an official statement but is reportedly conducting an internal review. The delay in communication has sparked questions within the community, with many seeking clarity on the circumstances surrounding Pandey’s passing.
Professional Contributions
Pratik Pandey was a senior software engineer working on Microsoft’s Fabric platform, a data analytics solution competing with industry leaders like Snowflake Inc. Reporting to Scott Guthrie, executive vice president of Microsoft’s Cloud and AI division, Pandey brought nearly a decade of expertise to his role. His career included positions at Walmart, Apple, Illumina, Cinequest, Hoverboard Technologies, and John Deere, where he specialized in cloud-based systems and automation. A San Jose State University graduate, Pandey was respected for his work on large-scale distributed systems, as showcased in his professional writings on platforms like Medium.
A Life Cherished
Known for his infectious smile and vibrant spirit, Pandey was a beloved figure among colleagues and friends. An enthusiastic soccer player, he was admired for his humility, warmth, and dedication as a father and friend. He is survived by his son and family in India, where arrangements are being made to repatriate his body for final rites. A viewing service was held in the Bay Area on August 28, 2025, to honor his memory.
Tributes have poured in across social media, with colleagues and community members remembering Pandey’s kindness and contributions. “Pratik was a joyful soul, a great son, and a true friend,” read a statement shared for the viewing service, reflecting the deep impact he had on those around him.
Community Concerns and Industry Reflection
Pandey’s death has sparked renewed conversations about workplace pressures in the tech industry. Discussions on platforms like X and Reddit have highlighted concerns about late-night work culture and its impact on mental health and well-being. One X post noted, “A 35-year-old Microsoft engineer passed away at their Silicon Valley campus,” capturing the shock felt across the tech world.
The reported delay in notifying authorities has also raised questions about corporate responsibility, with calls for greater transparency from Microsoft. The Indian Consulate is reportedly assisting, though further details are pending.
Investigation Underway
As the Santa Clara County medical examiner continues to investigate the cause of death, Microsoft’s internal review is expected to provide insights into the events of August 20. The tech community and Pandey’s loved ones await answers, as this tragedy underscores the human cost of the high-pressure tech environment.
Bharat Tone will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they become available. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Pratik Pandey’s family, friends, and colleagues during this time of grief.
