LeapFrog founder Mike Wood dies at 72 by physician-assisted suicide
Mike Wood, CEO of Leapfrog Enterprises, addresses audience (Photo by J. Countess/WireImage for LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.)
Mike Wood, the founder of LeapFrog Enterprises, which created educational tools for children, died at the age of 72 in Zurich, according to the New York Times.
The outlet reported that Wood died by physician-assisted suicide and was surrounded by family on April 10. Wood's brother told the Times he had made the decision after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and didn't want the disease to progress too far.
What they're saying:
"We are saddened by the loss of LeapFrog founder, Mike Wood," the company posted on its Instagram page. "He was an innovative leader whose passion to find a new way to help his child learn led to something remarkable."
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His daughter-in-law, Emily, also posted a lengthy statement on her Instagram page.
"Tito, I love you so much. You were a father, brother, and friend one could only wish up," she posted. "It has always made me proud to be a part of your life."
"There was no greater gift than your presence.," she added.
History and impact of LeapFrog
Dig deeper:
According to the company, LeapFrog Enterprises was founded in the 1990s after Wood searched for a way to help his children learn to read and get excited about it.
"Mike believed that children learn best when they are having fun, and it didn’t take him long to prove it," the company said. "We hope to inspire millions more children, for decades more to come."
The company then launched the LeapPad, which gave children a more interactive way to learn how to read.
The company said it has touched the lives of more than 150 million children in more than 16 countries.
According to the Times, Wood stepped down from the company in 2004 at the age of 51. He then served as a volunteer reading teacher at a school near his home.
Who was Mike Wood?
The backstory:
Wood was born on September 1, 1952, in Northern California. He earned degrees from Stanford University (B.A.), University of California -Berkeley (M.B.A), and The University of California College of the Law, San Francisco (J.D.).
He practiced law before changing career courses and going into tech innovation.
According to UC Law, Wood is survived by his wife, son, two brothers, and three grandchildren.
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The Source: The information in this story comes primarily from a report by The New York Times, which confirmed Mike Wood’s death and included comments from his brother about his decision to pursue physician-assisted suicide following an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Additional details and tributes were sourced from public statements posted on social media by LeapFrog and Wood’s daughter-in-law, Emily. Background on LeapFrog’s founding, impact, and Wood’s personal and educational history was provided by the company itself and the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco. This story was reported from Los Angeles.