Mike Lynch, known as “the UK’s greatest tech entrepreneur,” died after a luxury yacht sank off the coast of Sicily.
Lynch, 59, was a leading figure in the UK tech industry, often compared to Microsoft founder Bill Gates.
He was on the yacht with his daughter, Hannah, 18, and five others when the boat sank during a storm.
All seven people lost their lives, and their bodies were recovered after several days of searching by divers, with Hannah’s body found last, according to BBC.
Lynch was famous for co-founding the tech company Autonomy in 1996, which grew quickly and was sold to Hewlett Packard for $11 billion in 2011.
This deal made him hundreds of millions of pounds but also led to a long legal battle. He was accused of fraud related to the sale and was extradited to the US, where he faced criminal charges.
However, in June this year, Lynch was found not guilty by a US jury, allowing him to celebrate his freedom, as reported by BBC.
Friends and colleagues have expressed their grief and admiration for Lynch. Andrew Kanter, a close friend, called him “the most brilliant mind and caring person” he had ever known.
Former Sun newspaper editor David Yelland described Lynch as “an irreplaceable loss” to both his loved ones and the country.
According to BBC, Lynch’s contributions to the UK’s tech industry were significant, and many believe he had much more to offer.
Lynch is survived by his wife, Angela Bacares, who was rescued along with 14 others when the yacht sank, and their older daughter, Esme.
The family was devastated by the tragedy, and their spokesperson described it as a time of “unspeakable grief,” as reported by BBC.
The yacht, named Bayesian after a theory that inspired Lynch’s work, sank after its mast broke in the storm.
Lynch’s neighbor, Dick Smith, told BBC that he was shocked by the news, describing Lynch as approachable and down-to-earth despite his wealth.
Born in 1965, Lynch grew up in Essex and developed a passion for programming from a young age. He studied Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge, where he also earned a PhD in mathematical computing.
Lynch later became involved in various successful tech ventures, including the creation of the cybersecurity firm Darktrace, according to BBC.
Lynch’s death has left a void in the UK tech industry, and his loss will be felt by many, especially those who worked closely with him and admired his vision and achievements, as reported by BBC.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdxl5kpvrg9o