# Indian-origin UCSB PhD student found dead after California hike 2026-08-06T17:41:56+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Vikram Mubayi, an Indian-origin chemical engineering PhD student at the University of California, Santa Barbara, was found dead in California’s Inyo National Forest on August 3, two days after he went missing during a solo hike. His body was recovered in the Big Pine Lakes area, according to the student newspaper Daily Nexus, cited by Hindustan Times. Mubayi last contacted his family at 8.37pm on August 1. A search involving local authorities and rescue teams began after his sibling sought help online. Mubayi was born and raised in Hong Kong and was described as an experienced hiker. Times of India reported that officials had found no indication of foul play, while saying the circumstances remained under investigation. ## Coverage - timesofindia.indiatimes.com - hindustantimes.com Tags: California, hiking, Indian-origin student, UCSB Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/indian-origin-ucsb-phd-student-found-dead-after-california-hike/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/indian-origin-ucsb-phd-student-found-dead-after-california-hike/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.