Birthday turns tragic: Indian-origin engineer swept away in California whirlpool, dies

The victim, identified as Singireddy Sai Srihari Krishna, was celebrating his 26th birthday with friends when he got caught in a whirlpool, leading to the tragic incident.

Krishna had recently started working in the United States and was reportedly living in shared accommodation at Westminster Place in St. Louis.

According to his family, he had joined Elessent Clean Technologies in December 2025 after completing his Master’s degree in the US.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Krishna’s cousin said he was an avid swimmer who had a deep passion for the sport since childhood.

“He had just got a job and was very happy. He struggled a lot after moving to the US in 2022 for his Master’s. Back in our village, he would often swim in wells and canals. He even worked as a swimming coach in the US while studying,” the cousin said, adding that his parents are devastated by the loss.

Efforts are currently underway to repatriate his body to India.