Mike Wood, founder of the educational toy company LeapFrog Enterprises, has died by physician-assisted suicide following a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. He was 72.
Wood passed away earlier this month in Switzerland, where physician-assisted suicide is legal, his brother confirmed. He was reportedly "surrounded by family" at the time of his death.
According to family statements, Wood chose to end his life before the Alzheimer’s disease progressed significantly, maintaining his desire for dignity and control in the face of a devastating illness.
Wood, a California resident, launched LeapFrog in the mid-1990s after noticing his three-year-old son's struggles with reading.
The company quickly rose to prominence with the 1999 release of the LeapPad, a groundbreaking educational device that became the best-selling toy during the 2000 holiday season.
Wood stepped away from the company in 2004 but remained a respected figure in the educational technology space. LeapFrog Enterprises paid tribute to its founder in a statement posted on Instagram.
"We are saddened by the loss of LeapFrog founder, Mike Wood," the company said. "His passion to find a new way to help his child learn led to something remarkable... We loved working with Mike and are honoured to continue what he started."
Wood is survived by his son and three grandchildren.
His death marks the passing of a visionary entrepreneur whose innovations in early childhood education technology have impacted millions of children worldwide.
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