The tech community is mourning the loss of Pratik Pandey, a 35-year-old Indian-origin Microsoft engineer who was found dead at the company's Silicon Valley campus on August 20. Pandey's death has sparked conversations about work-life balance and the pressures of the tech industry, with his family urging others to avoid overwork.

Pandey was discovered on the Microsoft campus, and while the Santa Clara County medical examiner is investigating the cause of death, authorities have stated that there were no signs of suspicious activity. A family member, speaking anonymously, told Bloomberg that Pandey had badged into the office on the evening of August 19 and was known to work late into the night. Microsoft has not yet released an official statement but is investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.

Described as a "hardworking professional" and "a joyful soul with a radiant smile," Pandey's passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, friends, and community members. Satish, a candidate for the Santa Clara City Council, shared on Instagram that "Pratik was more than a colleague and a neighbor," emphasizing the community's grief and solidarity. Another user, identifying himself as Pandey's college roommate, expressed his condolences, having known Pandey for over a decade.

Before joining Microsoft in July 2020, Pandey gained experience at several prominent companies, including Walmart Labs and Apple. His LinkedIn profile showcases a career focused on software engineering and big data analytics, with expertise in technologies like TypeScript, Angular, and React. He held master's degrees from California State University, Long Beach, and San José State University. At Microsoft, he was a software engineer within the Microsoft Fabric and Synapse products and reported to AI chief Scott Guthrie.

There have been claims that Microsoft delayed reporting Pandey's death by more than 40 hours. According to a Bloomberg report, police responded to the scene on August 20 and found no signs of suspicious activity. The Mountain View Police are not treating the case as a criminal investigation.

Pandey's family is working to return his body to India, where his parents reside, with the help of community members. As the investigation into his death continues, his loved ones hope that his story will serve as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing well-being and preventing overwork.