Body Of UC Santa Barbara Student Found In Sierra Nevada

India-West News Desk

SANTA BARBARA, CA – The body of Vikram Mubayi, a doctoral student at the University of California Santa Barbara, was recovered on August 3 in the Sierra Nevada mountains after he went missing during a hiking trip.

Mubayi had been in the Big Pine Lakes area of Inyo National Forest and last spoke with his family on the evening of August 1. A search operation was launched soon after, with local rescue teams taking part. His body was later located and recovered by the California Highway Patrol.

A chemical engineering PhD candidate since 2022, Mubayi was involved in research focused on using biological methods to break down plant waste and plastics, aimed at developing more sustainable alternatives. He also served as a teaching assistant for multiple courses.

He earned his undergraduate degree in chemical engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2022.

Raised in Hong Kong, Mubayi was described by family members as an experienced hiker with a strong interest in outdoor activities. 

Authorities have not released further details on the circumstances surrounding his death.