Mike Wood, who famously founded the LeapFrog toy company, died at the age of 72His brother Tim said that he chose to die via physician-assisted suicide in Switzerland after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s diseaseWood was “surrounded by family” at the time of his death; he is survived by two brothers, a son and three grandchildren
Mike Wood, the founder of the iconic LeapFrog toy company, died via physician-assisted suicide in Switzerland at the age of 72.
Wood’s brother, Tim, confirmed the news to The New York Timesrevealing that he underwent the procedure at the nonprofit organization Dignitas in Zurich, on Thursday, April 10. The outlet reported that he died “surrounded by family.”
Tim explained that Mike made the decision to end his life while receiving treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. The Times noted that he wanted to do so “before the disease progressed too far.”
Mike Wood in February 2003.
AP photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez
LeapFrog issued a statement about Mike’s death on Instagramwriting, “We are saddened by the loss of LeapFrog founder, Mike Wood. He was an innovative leader whose passion to find a new way to help his child learn led to something remarkable.”
The tribute continued: “His passion was transformed into a company that has helped millions of children learn to read, and so much more. We loved working with Mike and are honored to continue what he started.”
Many took to the comments section to thank Mike for the creation of the LeapFrog toys, which he originally invented to help his son learn to read, according to the Times.
“Rest in peace we always loved you and thank you for making my childhood,” one commenter wrote.
Another wrote, “The love for his children that multiplied to other children. Not just sons and daughters, but also nieces, nephews, grandchildren and many others. Thank you Mike Wood for the memories you help create with my loved ones. May you rest in peace.”
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Mike Wood, founder of the LeapFrog toy company.
J. Countess/WireImage
The Times noted that LeapFrog exploded in popularity with the launch of the LeapPad in 1999. The toy and others from the line became a mainstay in homes and schools.
Mike stepped back from the company in 2004. In 2014, he told The Wall Street Journal“In 2003, we had 1,000 employees, $650 million in revenue, $60 million in earnings and I had a headache every day. There would be four or five problems on my desk every day that had no good answer — you had to pick the least worst answer.”
“It’s not necessarily a good thing to retire when you’re young,” he told the outlet, explaining, “I think our brains are like the muscles in our arms. If we use them, really use them, they stay strong. And it’s hard to do that in retirement.”
The entrepreneur did not stay retired for long. Instead, he launched his online learning company SmartyAnts.
Mike is survived by his brothers Tim and Denis, his son Mat, three grandchildren and his ex-wife Susan (Cotter) Wood, according to the Times.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.
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