Microsoft Engineer, 35, Dies at Work: Family Warns Against Overwork Culture

The family of a 35-year-old Microsoft engineer, Pratik Pandey, who died while working late at the company’s Mountain View office, has raised alarm over the growing culture of overwork in the tech industry.

Pandey, originally from Indore, India, was discovered face down in a campus courtyard at around 2 a.m. on August 20.

According to the Santa Clara County Medical Examiner, he died of cardiac arrest.

Family members say Pandey, who joined Microsoft in July 2020 after working with Apple, Illumina, and Walmart Labs, was a diligent professional who often worked long nights.

Records show he entered the office at 7:50 p.m. on the night of his death, and was found lifeless nearly six hours later.

His uncle, Manoj Pandey, described him as a “brilliant and positive” individual but warned that tech companies must address the toll of long working hours.

“Preventing overwork could save lives and spare families immense grief,” Manoj said. “It’s a lot of pain for the family when a loved one passes away.”

Community leader Satish Chandra revealed that Pratik had confided in his roommate and colleagues about feeling overwhelmed by multiple projects. Family members now want companies to prioritize employee well-being, urging tech firms to provide stronger support systems for stress management.

Pratik moved to the United States a decade ago to pursue studies at San Jose State University. His sudden death has sent shockwaves through his community, sparking conversations about the hidden costs of Silicon Valley’s relentless pace.