This is a terrible tragedy - I'm in shock. John Petersen actually called me a little while ago and told me the news. John worked with Drew years ago on different projects, is very saddened about this, and asked me to pass on his deepest sympathies.

Drew was one of my heros from the Fox days. I once joked that in addition to carrying around Mantle and Maris collector baseball cards, I also carried around Drew and YAG cards. Drew's sessions were fantastic. I always attend his sessions, regardless of the content. His presentations were definitely "high-octane", and packed a huge punch. I often approached him after the session to tell him how much I learned from him, as well as how much I respected his ability to cover a huge amount of material, very quickly (earning his last name!), and also very cogently.

I've spoken with countless developers who have told me that they became much more productive from his work. He truly influenced many lives in a very very positive way.

In the last year I've had the opportunity to write some articles and do some sessions. I've tried to use the same approach of packing a high level of content while making it understandable - it's tough, very very tough - but Drew was a master at it.

I met his family very briefly at one of the conferences in the late '90's (might have been '96 in Arizona). Russ, if you have any contact with his family, please tell them that one of Drew's biggest fans is very saddened by the news.

Kevin