Vladimir Pokhilko

Vladimir Pokhilko (1954 – 1998) was a Russian academic who specialized in human-computer interaction and an entrepreneur. Along with Alexey Pajitnov, he played an active role in the development and marketing of the popular video game Tetris. After suffering financial difficulties at his software company, AnimaTek, he murdered his wife Elena Fedotova (38) and their son Peter (12) then committed suicide. Shortly before his death, Pokhilko penned a note, possibly a suicide note, which read:

"I've been eaten alive. Vladimir. Just remember that I am exist. The davil."

References

Stein, Loren (1999-01-27). "POLICE: Detail of Russian entreprenuer's note reveals a tormented man". Palo Alto Weekly. http://www.paloaltoonline.com/weekly/morgue/news/1999_Jan_27.MURDER.html. Retrieved 2007-02-09. 

External links

• Vladimir Pokhilko seminar abstract and bio on the Stanford University Human-Computer Interaction website.
• When startups become blowups Article on the difficulties of entrepreneurship including a section about Vladimir Pokhilko and his software company in Forbes Magazine.
• Pushed past the brink Article from the San Francisco Chronicle.