LeapFrog Founder Mike Wood Dies By Assisted Suicide Amid Alzheimer’s Battle

Mike Wood, the 72-year-old founder of educational toy company LeapFrog, has died by physician-assisted suicide, according to the New York Times. Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Wood reportedly chose to end his life on April 10 in Switzerland to avoid the disease’s progression.

“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,” LeapFrog Enterprises wrote in a statement on Instagram.

“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.⁣“

The procedure was carried out by a doctor from the nonprofit Dignitas, with Wood’s family present in Zürich. In Switzerland, assisted suicide is legal as long as the motive is not selfish such as seeking financial gain. Violations can carry penalties of up to five years in prison.