The Daily Populous Tuesday April 29th, 2025 morning edition
Authored by atlantanewsfirst.com and submitted by catsgr8rthanspoonies

(Gray News) – Mike Wood, the founder of the LeapFrog toy company, died earlier this month by physician-assisted suicide. He was 72.

His brother confirmed to The New York Times that Wood died “surrounded by family” in Switzerland, where physician-assisted suicide is legal.

LeapFrog Enterprise CEO Mike Wood holds Little Leap, one of the company's educational toys, in the company's headquarters in Emeryville, Calif. on Feb. 5, 2003. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Wood’s brother told the New York Times that Wood made the decision to end his life due to his diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease. Wood wanted to do so “before the disease progressed too far,” the outlet reported.

Wood’s company LeapFrog boomed in popularity with the debut of the LeapPad in 1999. Wood stepped away from the company in 2004.

The LeapPad was the best-selling toy of the 2000 holiday season.

LeapFrog issued a statement about his death on Instagram, writing:

“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. 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. We extend our condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and all who were touched by his legacy.”

Wood lived in California and is survived by a son and three grandchildren.

He reportedly began the LeapFrog company when his then-3-year-old son struggled with learning to read.

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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SexWarlock69 on April 29th, 2025 at 02:26 UTC »

Family was too poor to get me into preschool. Someone gifted me a leappad when I was real small. I know how to read in part because of this guy. I consume books like water nowadays, been through over 20 already this year. Reading is a treasure, thank you Mike!

popcornslurry on April 29th, 2025 at 02:02 UTC »

I didn't realise Switzerland offered assisted death for Alzheimer's patients. In Australia, once you have a dementia diagnosis you are no longer considered mentally capable of making the decision to access assisted dying. Which seems incredibly unfair considering what a horrific disease it is and that many people are still quite aware when they are diagnosed.

cslackie on April 29th, 2025 at 01:37 UTC »

If you’ve ever known or cared for someone with Alzheimer’s, you’ll know what a selfless action this is for himself and his family. What a devastating diagnosis and decline for everyone. RIP, Mike Wood.