Akamai co-founder dies in plane hijack

At least two major figures in the IT industry were aboard the hijacked planes that crashed into the World Trade Center yesterday.

A statement from web content delivery specialist Akamai confirmed that the company's co-founder and chief technical officer, Daniel Lewin, was on board American Airlines flight 11, which crashed into one of the towers. Lewin, 31, was on board with 92 others. He leaves a wife and two children.

"Danny was a wonderful human being. He will be deeply missed by his many friends at Akamai," said chief executive George Conrades. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Danny's family, friends and colleagues during this time of national tragedy and personal loss."

Also on the same plane was Edmund Glazer, chief financial officer and vice president of finance at optical components and network infrastructure manufacturer MRV Communications. Glazer, 41, leaves a wife and four year-old son.

"This is a very sad day for MRV and for all who knew Edmund," said president and chief executive Noam Lotan. "He was a true friend and his kindness and devotion will be deeply missed."