In a shocking turn of events, a cryptocurrency founder and Bitcoin millionaire has been found dead. John Forsyth, early Bitcoin proponent and founder of Onfocoin, has been found dead after going missing for more than a week.
Circumstances surrounding Forsyth’s death
Forsyth was first reported about a week ago when the founder, who also worked as an emergency room physician at Mercy Hospital in Cassville, Missouri, failed to show up for work. Red flags were raised after that because those close to him revealed that the doctor never missed his work no matter what. According to his partner, Forsyth texted in the morning, but that was the last time they heard from him.
After a missing person was reported, a search was conducted for the founder which led to the discovery of his car as well as some of his personal belongings, including passport, bag, mobile phone and wallet, which were discovered in a park. However, there was no sign of Forsyth.
The founder will remain missing for a week until his body is found by police on Tuesday, May 30. His body was reportedly found in Arkansas, but law enforcement is still investigating the disappearance and eventual death of the company’s founder.
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Seeing Bitcoin for what it used to be
Forsyth first gained prominence in the crypto space when he was featured in Forbes magazine as a Bitcoin millionaire. According to the founder of Onfocoin, he discovered Bitcoin early which he mined, along with Litecoin, and held the coins for a long time.
Forsyth then founded Onfocoin, a referral-based cryptocurrency project, with his brother and business partner, Richard Forsyth. His son describes his father as being very interested in cryptocurrency and his crypto company. However, his brother Richard says the doctor didn’t seem to have cryptocurrency in mind until his death. Although he believes that their involvement in cryptocurrency “made them some enemies.”
Forsyth’s death is the latest in a string of crypto founder deaths that rocked the space last year. In the year 2022, Nikolai Moshejian, who is credited as one of the co-founders of MakerDAO, is found dead on a beach in Puerto Rico. However, no foul play has been found in connection with his death.
In early May 2023, Bob Lee, the founder of the Cash App, was stabbed multiple times and died during surgery. Nima Nomeni, a technical advisor, was implicated in murder in Lee’s death and currently faces up to 26 years to life in prison if found guilty and convicted.