Microsoft’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Satya Nadella and his wife Anu lost their son Zain on Monday morning. He was 26 years old and had been born with cerebral palsy.
The software maker told executive staff in an email that Zain had passed away. The message asked executives to hold the family in their thoughts and prayers while giving them space to grieve privately.
Last year, the Children’s Hospital, where Zain received much of his treatment, joined with the Nadellas to establish the Zain Nadella Endowed Chair in Pediatric Neurosciences, as part of Seattle Children’s Center for Integrative Brain Research.
“Zain will be remembered for his eclectic taste in music, his bright sunny smile and the immense joy he brought to his family and all those who loved him," Jeff Sperring, CEO of Children’s Hospital, wrote in a message to his Board, which was shared with Microsoft executives.
“Deeply pained to learn of the passing away of young Zain Nadella. Condolences to Anupama Ji, @satyanadella and family. May god give them strength through this difficult time. Om Shanthi," wrote Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidu on Twitter.
Satya took up the Microsoft CEO’s role in 2014 and always focused on designing products for the company. He also cited lessons he had learned raising and supporting his son Zain.