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Seattle Orcas mourn death of founding co-owner S. Somasegar
He is being remembered for helping grow cricket in the Pacific Northwest and supporting the Seattle Orcas from the franchise’s earliest days.
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Staff Reporter - Thu, 21, May 2026
- 10:59 EDT
- 138
S. Somasegar / Seattle Orcas
Seattle Orcas are mourning the passing of founding co-owner S. Somasegar, whose leadership and advocacy helped shape both the franchise and the broader cricket ecosystem in the Pacific Northwest.
Somasegar passed away aged 59 on May 19. His death was confirmed by Seattle-based venture capital firm Madrona Venture Group.
Also Read: Tech world mourns Indian-origin Microsoft veteran Soma
Widely known as “Soma,” Somasegar played a significant role in supporting the growth of cricket in the United States through his involvement with the Orcas and his efforts to expand cricket infrastructure in Washington state. According to the organization, he worked extensively to help bring a world-class cricket community park to King County while championing the sport’s development in the region.
Beyond cricket, Somasegar was widely respected in technology and business circles for his leadership, mentorship, and long career at Microsoft, where he helped build major developer and engineering initiatives.
“Soma was a friend for nearly four decades, from our earliest days partnering on the India Development Center and building the developer platform at Microsoft to standing together as co-owners of the Seattle Orcas,” said Sanjay Parthasarathy. “He brought the same quiet commitment and generosity to cricket that he brought to everything else — and to everyone he ever encountered.”
Parthasarathy added that he and his wife were “heartbroken,” extending prayers to Somasegar’s wife Akila, their daughters, and extended family.
Several members of the Seattle Orcas organization also reflected on Somasegar’s influence as a mentor and leader.
“Soma shaped many careers, including mine,” said Seattle Orcas chief product officer Jagan Nemani. “He believed in people, gave opportunities, and trusted others to do meaningful things. He had a lasting impact on many lives, and I am one of them.”
Nemani added that he would “always be grateful for the faith he showed in me and for the chance to learn from him.”
Director of Marketing for the Seattle Orcas, Jessica Ivey said Somasegar’s “wisdom and steady leadership were pivotal to the early success of the Seattle Orcas,” adding that the franchise would continue working to honor his legacy in the years ahead.
For many in the Indian American and cricket communities, Somasegar represented the intersection of technology leadership, philanthropy, and diaspora-driven investment in sports. His support for cricket came at a time when the sport has been gaining visibility in the United States through the growth of Major League Cricket and increasing South Asian community engagement.
The Seattle Orcas said Somasegar’s impact would continue to be felt across the organization and the broader cricket community he helped nurture.
Discover more at New India Abroad.
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