LUCKNOW— Prateek Yadav, the younger son of late Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. He was 38 years old. Despite belonging to one of the most powerful and well-known political families in Uttar Pradesh, Prateek chose a different path. He made a name for himself as a successful businessman, a dedicated fitness enthusiast, and a passionate animal lover.
His untimely death has sent shockwaves through the state, drawing heartfelt condolences from political leaders across all parties. Prateek is survived by his wife, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Aparna Yadav, and their daughter.
A Sudden and Heartbreaking Passing
The tragic events of Wednesday morning unfolded very quickly. According to reports from the Civil Hospital in Lucknow, Prateek was brought to the emergency room at around 5:30 a.m. by family members after his health suddenly deteriorated at home.
Dr. G.P. Gupta, the director of the hospital, informed reporters that a medical team was sent to Prateek’s residence immediately after receiving a distress call. When doctors arrived, his condition was already highly critical. Despite their urgent efforts to save him, he was officially declared dead at 5:55 a.m.
The official autopsy report later confirmed the exact medical cause of his sudden death. Doctors stated that Prateek suffered a cardiorespiratory collapse—meaning his heart and breathing suddenly stopped working. This collapse was caused by a “massive pulmonary thromboembolism.” In simple terms, a very severe blood clot formed in his lungs, leading to the fatal emergency.
The post-mortem examination was conducted under tight security at King George’s Medical University (KGMU). To ensure complete transparency, the entire medical process was recorded on video. Medical samples have also been kept for standard laboratory testing.
Condolences from Across the Political Divide
Though Prateek generally stayed out of the political spotlight, his deep family ties meant his passing was felt heavily by leaders across India.
The Samajwadi Party took to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to share their collective grief, writing, “The passing of Prateek Yadav is deeply saddening. May God grant peace to the departed soul.”
Akhilesh Yadav, the Samajwadi Party chief and Prateek’s older half-brother, visited the medical center to speak directly with the doctors. While speaking to the press, Akhilesh remembered his brother fondly.
He called him “a very good person” who was completely dedicated to his businesses and his personal health. He also shared a touching memory of their last meeting a couple of months ago, where he had advised Prateek to keep focusing on his work.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also offered his deep sympathies. In an online statement, he called the sudden death “extremely heartbreaking” and sent his thoughts to the grieving family. He specifically mentioned Prateek’s wife, Aparna, who currently serves as the vice-chairperson of the Uttar Pradesh State Women’s Commission.
The Businessman Who Chose Fitness Over Politics
While his father and brothers spent their lives in the political arena, Prateek built a life around his personal interests. He studied at the well-regarded University of Leeds in the United Kingdom before returning to India to carve out his own independent career.
He found great financial success in two main areas: real estate and the fitness industry. Prateek was a highly recognized figure in Lucknow’s business community. He owned popular, high-end gyms, including “Iron Core Fit” and “The Fitness Planet.” These centers were known for offering premium equipment imported from overseas and catering to health-conscious residents in the city.
Beyond his daily business, Prateek enjoyed a lavish and adventurous lifestyle. He was famous locally for his love of luxury cars, most notably owning a Lamborghini worth nearly ₹5 crore. He frequently shared his intense workout routines and adventurous hobbies with his followers online, always trying to inspire others to adopt a healthier way of living.
Here is a quick look at his life outside of politics:
- Education:Earned his degree from the University of Leeds, UK.
- Fitness Empire:Founded and operated some of the most successful premium gyms in Lucknow.
- Real Estate:Built a strong portfolio through property investments and local construction projects.
- Aviation Enthusiast:Shared a passion for extreme sports, recently posting about his thrill of flying high-performance stunt aircraft.
A Deep Love for Animals
One of the most defining aspects of Prateek’s true character was his deep love for animals. His public profile proudly featured the quote, “May life treat you the way you treat animals.”
He turned this passion into real-world action by actively running an animal welfare organization called ‘Jeev Ashray.’ The group works tirelessly around the clock to rescue, treat, feed, and care for stray dogs in Lucknow. Prateek even participated in public street rallies to support street dogs, urging the government and the public to treat animals with humanity and kindness.
He shared an incredibly special bond with his own pet dog, Dulari, who passed away in 2022. In a very touching public tribute, he once wrote that she taught him the true meaning of unconditional love, revealing a soft, emotional side that his close friends and family cherished deeply.
Navigating Public and Private Life
Like many people, Prateek faced personal hurdles. Earlier in 2026, he made news when he openly posted on social media about experiencing heavy mental stress and going through marital disagreements with his wife.
However, the couple chose to work through their issues together. Shortly after the initial posts, Prateek shared an update confirming that they had resolved their differences, and he asked the public to kindly respect their privacy as a family.
His willingness to be open about his mental health struggles highlighted an important truth: even people who seem to have it all can fight hidden battles.
Prateek Yadav will be remembered not as a politician, but as a man who lived life strictly on his own terms. He built successful businesses from the ground up, promoted the importance of physical health, and gave a voice to helpless animals on the streets.
His sudden passing is a tragic reminder of how fragile life can be, leaving a massive void in his family and in the local communities he helped build. As his family prepares to say their final goodbyes, the city of Lucknow mourns a young entrepreneur whose journey ended far too soon.
