On 10.03.2008 Mark, the founder of Englishforum tragically died in a diving accident while on holiday in Florida, America. He was attempting to chart some unknown territories in Ginnie Springs, one of his favourite dive sites. Given Mark's profound attention to detail, we can only assume something went very wrong as he was found still 1Km from the exit.
Out of respect for his family and loved ones it has until now not been reported on the forum and has remained between his closest friends. The information surrounding his death has now entered the public domain and at the request of his fiancée are posting this message.

We can well imagine that you wish to give your condolences to his nearest and dearest, however ask you to refrain from doing so apart from as outlined later in this message. We ask simply that you respect the privacy of those closest to Mark at this most difficult time.

Mark was the driving force responsible for founding Englishforum.ch along with other websites such as zurichdivers.ch and in a very short period of time managed to nurture these into what they are today.

Mark's continual efforts on the forum established solid communities of friends spanning the full length and breadth of the country and even around the world. Mark's efforts also made Englishforum.ch the most comprehensive source of information on Switzerland for the English speaking community and some would reasonably argue overall.

For all those who had the good fortune of meeting Mark and for all those who would like to pay tribute to Mark we request that your messages be left on Mark's reputation on this thread.

We also appeal to the forum community to remember that this forum was personally funded by Mark and that he simply accepted any voluntary donations from the forum community to contribute to keeping it running. Without his substantial personal contribution both financially and in time, the Englishforum would not be here today.

We also ask for your patience and careful consideration regarding the activity on the forum as our efforts are currently focused elsewhere, at least for the meantime.

Please join us in sending our heartfelt condolences and thoughts to all of Mark's loved ones and sincerest thanks for the things he brought to us in his heartbreakingly foreshortened life.