UCLA Vigil Photos by Reed Hutchinson
Caltech is mourning the loss of UCLA professor and Caltech alum William S. Klug (PhD mechanical engineering, conferred in 2004) who was shot to death in an apparent murder-suicide on the UCLA campus on Wednesday.
Police identified Klug’s killer as Mainak Sarkar, a former engineering doctoral student.
In a statement, Caltech officials said “Professor Klug’s death was the result of a terrible act of violence and we are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of an accomplished scholar, husband, and father. The thoughts of the entire Caltech community are with Professor Klug’s family, colleagues, and students at this difficult time, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to them.”
A longtime collaborator with Caltech faculty, Professor Klug was passionate about his work at the intersection of mechanics and biology. His early explorations investigated the mechanics of DNA packaging in viruses. In recent years, he had become very interested in modeling the biomechanics of the heart, particularly its electrophysiology.
Police have identified Klug’s killer as Mainak Sarkar, a 38-year-old former doctoral student. After killing the UCLA professor, Sarkar turned the gun on himself.
Investigators have since revealed that Sarkar had compiled a “kill list” that included his estranged wife, whose lifeless body was found this week inside their Minnesota home with multiple gunshot wounds.
The list also included the name of another UCLA professor who has not been identified publicly, but authorities says is safe.
Meanwhile, Klug’s family continues to mourn the devoted husband and father, who served as a Little League coach.
“Our faculty, staff, students, and alumni will remember an exemplary and compassionate human being who was dedicated to his family and an exceptional scholar, colleague, mentor, and friend,” the statement said.
UCLA also issued a statement on behalf of Mary Elise Klug, widow of professor William Klug
“During this extremely difficult time for our family, we are grateful for the tremendous outpouring of support. This is an indescribable loss. Bill was so much more than my soulmate. I will miss him every day for the rest of my life. Knowing that so many others share our family’s sorrow has provided a measure of comfort.
“That said, we are a very private family, and we need time to heal and recover from this senseless tragedy. At this time, we ask the media to please respect our family’s privacy in and around our home, school and local community during the days and weeks ahead, especially for the sake of my children.”
