Tragedy Strikes: Indian-Origin Tech CEO Kills Family in US, Then Dies by Suicide
A Shocking Family Tragedy in Washington State
A wave of grief and disbelief has swept across the country after the tragic death of Harshavardhana Kikkeri, a prominent Indian-origin tech CEO, his wife Shwetha Panyam, and their 14-year-old son Dhruva in Newcastle, Washington. The incident, which occurred on April 24, has been ruled a murder-suicide by authorities.
According to reports, police responded to a 911 call and discovered the bodies of the family at their home. The deaths of Shwetha and Dhruva have been classified as homicides, while Kikkeri’s was determined to be a suicide. Thankfully, their 7-year-old son was not home at the time of the tragedy.
A Promising Life Cut Short
Harshavardhana Kikkeri, 57, was a respected figure in the tech world, known for his pioneering work in robotics. He co-founded HoloWorld, a company specializing in robotics, with his wife in 2017. Kikkeri was the driving force behind the creation of HoloSuit, an AI-enabled motion capture suit that garnered significant attention. His innovative spirit was evident in his 44 international patents and numerous accolades, including the Gold Star from Microsoft and the Excellence Award from Infosys.
Kikkeri had a successful career spanning several years, starting with Infosys in 2002, followed by roles at Microsoft and Codecs & DSP. His academic journey began at the University of Mysore, where he earned his Bachelor of Engineering degree in 2004. He furthered his studies at Syracuse University in the USA, obtaining a Master of Science degree.
A Devastating Loss for a Family and Community
News of the tragedy has sent shockwaves through Kikkeri’s hometown of Mysuru in India, where his family and friends are grappling with the loss. His mother, Girija, has traveled to the United States to be with her remaining family. Kikkeri’s elder brother, Chethan, had recently returned to Mysuru after living in the US for many years.
Harshavardhana Kikkeri’s father, Kikkeri Narayana, was a renowned linguist and a progressive activist, leaving behind a legacy of knowledge and social consciousness. The tragic loss of Harshavardhana and his family has cast a shadow over their community, leaving behind a void that will be deeply felt by all who knew them.
