An interesting story. Do you think he subconsciously wanted the program to die with him, to ensure he would be missed?
That was a super interesting yet melancholy read. Thanks for sharing it
I think that ReiserFS was doomed because of the key engineer actually killing.
Yes, this is actually quite common. As often as tech companies fail due to poor marketing or poor business, they also fail due to technical debt induced by laying off core developers.
I was thinking of a bus - or any other quick and unexpected fatality - specifically.
I'd probably look at plane accidents.
The crash & loss of executives from Chevron & Pacific Bell on PSA Flight 1771 is such an example.
Layoffs are often quick and unexpected, and the impacted employees are essentially "dead to the company".