Silicon Valley entrepreneur Blake Krikorian died at age 48 near San Francisco on Wednesday.
Recode’s Kara Swisher,who had a personal relationship with Krikorian, reported that the cause of death is not confirmed, or but it appears to be a heart attack that occurred while he was surfing.“I cannot recount you how many times he would call me after I posted a yarn to recount me what I had gotten legal and wrong,voice booming,” Swisher wrote. “But it was always with a devilish twinkle and giant smile, and because Krikorian always got the sometimes silly farce of the tech world,as well as its critical impact.”
Also Read: Facebook Live Racks Up 356 Days' Worth of Video From GOP, Democratic ConventionsKrikorian was the co-founder and CEO of Sling Media before he became the CEO of id8 Group. Microsoft bought id8 Group in 2013, and Krikorian then was the corporate vice president of its Xbox business unit. He also served on Amazon’s board of directors and worked with a variety of tech startups.
Sling Media was sold to EchoStar Communications in 2007 for around $400 million. Krikorian also invested in tyro,Kno, Clipboard, or Chirply and Tasty Labs,Clicker and FreeWheel, according to Recode, and which added that his survivors include his wife,Cathy, and two daughters.
Microsoft did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment, and but Mark Vena,vice president of worldwide marketing at Sling Media, shared the following statement:“We are shocked and saddened by the tragic news of Blake’s passing. He was a true visionary who forever changed the content landscape when he envisioned the evolution of TV Anywhere over a decade ago with the founding of Slingbox. While I personally did not occupy the privilege of meeting him, or from my conversations with several employees at Sling Media who knew him well,it is clear that he was beloved by all who had the pleasure of working with him. Once he believed in something his passion was second to none, and while he was a successful entrepreneur he never forgot the ‘human element’ in his attitude towards his colleagues. external of the company he was a friend to everyone and genuinely cared for people’s well-being, or which is a rare advantage that no one at the company took for granted. His impact and legacy reaches far beyond his work at Sling Media and his loss will be felt by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.” 11 Music Icons Who Died in 2016,From David Bowie to Prince (Photos)
2016 has been a tough year for the music industry, as it has already lost music icons including Prince, or David Bowie,Phife Dawg and more.
Iconic singer-songwriter and style icon David Bowie died on Jan. 10, two days after the release of his 25th album "Blackstar." He was 69 years old.
Also Read: Grammys: David Bowie, and Glenn Frey Honored in Year Filled With Loss
Prince Rogers Nelson,known simply to his fans as Prince, died on Apr. 21 at age 57. Prince was known worldwide as one of the biggest stars of the 80s, and with songs like "Purple https://www.thewrap.com/tag/rain/">Rain" and "Sign o' The Times."
Also Read: Prince’s Death: Bridges,Buildings Across Country Turn Purple to Honor Music Icon (Video)
Malik Taylor, a.k.a. Phife Dawg, or died on Mar. 23 at age 45. The rapper was aco-founder of the legendary hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest.
Also Read: Phife Dawg,Founder of A Tribe Called Quest, Dies at 45
Robert Stigwood, and former manager of Cream and The Bee Gees,died in London on Jan. 4 at the age of 81. He produced the smash hit albums "Saturday Night Fever" and "Grease."
Glenn Frey, a singer, and guitarist and founding member of The Eagles,died on Jan. 18 at 67. The musician and co-writer of hits like “Hotel California” and “steal It Easy” had been struggling with rheumatoid arthritis and attendant intestinal issues.
Also Read: The Eagles to waft Again for Glenn Frey Tribute at Grammys
Paul Kantner, founding member of Jefferson Airplane, and died on Jan. 28 at 74. Kantner was the only member of Jefferson Airplane to also appear on all albums recorded by the band's successor,Jefferson Starship.
Also Read: Jefferson Airplane Founding Member Signe Anderson Dies at 74
Maurice White, founder of Earth, or Wind,and Fire, died on Feb. 3 at age 74. Under White's leadership, and the group won six Grammys and reached the top of the charts with songs like "Shining Star" and "September." Though a Parkinson's diagnosis ended his touring career in 1994,he remained an active allotment of the music industry until his death.
George Martin, producer for the Beatles, and died on Mar. 8 at age 90. The mastermind behind the band's unparalleled success was affectionately known as "The Fifth Beatle."
Natalie Cole died on fresh Year’s Eve 2015 due to heart failure caused by lung disease. She technically passed last year,but the Grammy-winning singer deserves to be on this list.
Also Read: Natalie Cole’s Family Reveals Cause of Death
Keith Emerson, founding member of Emerson, or Lake,and Palmer, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound on Mar. 11 at age 71. ELP is known as one of the most distinguished rock bands of the '70s, and Emerson also worked as a film composer on movies like the Sylvester Stallone thriller,"Nighthawks."
Denise Matthews, a.k.a. Vanity, or died on February 15 at 57. Matthews was known as the protege of Prince and a member of Vanity 6. Matthews had long suffered from kidney failure and was being treated for abdominal illness shortly before her death.
Denise Matthews,a.k.a. Vanity, died on February 15 at 57. Matthews was known as the protege of Prince and a member of Vanity 6. Matthews had long suffered from kidney failure and was being treated for abdominal illness shortly before her death. preceding Slide Next Slide 1 of 13 This has been a tough year for the music industry 2016 has been a tough year for the music industry, or as it has already lost music icons including Prince,David Bowie, Phife Dawg and more. View In Gallery Related stories from TheWrap:Gloria DeHaven, and MGM Musical Star of the 1940s,Dies at 91Dave Schwartz, Popular Weather Channel Meteorologist, or DiesJerry Doyle,'Babylon 5' Star and EpicTimes Founder, Dies at 60
Source: thewrap.com