A 35-year-old Microsoft software engineer was found dead at the company’s Mountain View, California campus on August 20, prompting his family to issue warnings about workplace stress and overwork in the tech industry.
Pratik Pandey, originally from Indore, India, was discovered face-down in a courtyard at approximately 2 a.m., roughly six hours after badging into the office at 7:50 p.m. on August 19.
The Santa Clara County Medical Examiner indicated that Pandey suffered a heart attack, according to community leader Satish Chandra. Pandey had no known health issues leading up to his death. Mountain View police found no signs of suspicious activity or behavior, and the case is not being treated as a criminal investigation.
Family members and colleagues reported that Pandey had been under significant stress, juggling multiple projects simultaneously and working late nights for an extended period. His uncle, Manoj Pandey, described him as a jubilant, hardworking, and successful young man who enjoyed playing soccer, ping pong, and cricket. Community members remembered him as helpful and always willing to assist others.
Pandey immigrated to the United States approximately 10 years ago to pursue a master’s degree in computer science from San Jose State University. He had earned his bachelor’s degree from Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya in Bhopal in 2013. Before moving to the United States, he worked as a software engineer for two years in India with companies including Newgen Software in Noida and John Deere in Pune.
His American career included positions at several major technology companies. Before joining Microsoft in July 2020, Pandey worked at Apple, Illumina, and Walmart Labs. At Microsoft, he worked on the Fabric product, a data analytics platform that competes with companies like Snowflake Inc. He reported through the cloud and AI division led by executive vice president Scott Guthrie.
On his LinkedIn profile, Pandey described himself as a dedicated software engineer with over three years of experience at Microsoft, specializing in the development of cutting-edge solutions within the Microsoft Fabric and Synapse products. He possessed expertise in micro frontend architecture and data-driven applications, working with technologies including Java, TypeScript, React, Angular, RxJS, and cloud-based systems.
The incident has sparked broader discussions about workplace stress and burnout in the technology sector. Pandey’s uncle emphasized that tech companies should monitor when employees are working late hours and take action to relieve pressure and anxiety. Manoj stated, “That will probably save a life.”
Family and friends hosted a viewing service for Pandey on August 29 in Fremont, California, before arranging to send his remains to India, where his parents and two sisters live. The viewing ceremony holds special significance in Hindu culture, according to his uncle. Social media tributes described him as having a joyful soul with a radiant smile, noting his love for soccer and his roles as a devoted son and friend.
The tragedy has resonated within the tech community, with online discussions highlighting concerns about the demanding work culture in Silicon Valley. Comments from industry workers describe similar experiences with unrealistic deadlines, fear of layoffs, and pressure to work excessive hours to meet performance goals. Some pointed to the particular challenges faced by employees on H-1B visas, who may feel unable to set boundaries due to immigration constraints.
Microsoft declined to comment on the incident and is conducting an internal investigation. The company has not issued any public statements regarding potential workplace policy changes in response to the death. Pandey’s death adds to ongoing conversations about employee well-being in the technology sector, particularly as companies face increased competition in artificial intelligence and cloud services.
Pandey lived in Menlo Park and was survived by family members in both the United States and India.
