The police have formally identified the man found floating in the waters off Agar’s Island yesterday as Dr. James Martin, a successful entrepreneur who was considered one of the world’s foremost computer scientists.

Dr. Martin, 79, was born in the UK and had lived on Agar’s Island for decades. A philanthropist, his $150 million donation to the University of Oxford was the largest single gift to any British university.

At around 5:30pm yesterday [June 24] a kayaker came upon Dr. Martin’s lifeless body floating in the waters located off Agar’s Island, which is near the entrance to Hamilton Harbour off Point Shares.

The police have said an “investigation into the circumstances surrounding Dr. Martin’s death is ongoing; however at this time there does not appear to be any suspicious circumstances.”

Dr. Martin wrote over 100 books, and Computerworld ranked him fourth among the individuals who have most influenced the world of computer science.

His 1977 book, “The Wired Society: A Challenge for Tomorrow,” based on his predictions about technology that foresaw the internet as we know it today, was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize.

He was an expert in the field of systems design, information engineering and computer-aided software engineering. He served as a member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the U.S. Department of Defense – the only British citizen to do so at that time.

Dr. Martin bought Agar’s Island in 1977 and made his home in Bermuda. The island is said to contain houses, a beach, swimming pool, tennis & squash courts, docks, a huge art collection, a 300-year-old temple from Bali and the ruins of a 19th-century fort.

The multi-millionaire kept a relatively low profile in Bermuda, however did give various lectures around the island on technology.

A police spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Police Service can now confirm the death of 79 year old Dr. James Martin. Dr. Martin’s lifeless body was found floating in the waters of the Great Sound near Agar’s Island around 5:30pm Monday, June 24th by a kayaker.

“An investigation into the circumstances surrounding Dr. Martin’s death is ongoing; however at this time there does not appear to be any suspicious circumstances. A Family Liaison Officer has been assigned to Dr. Martin’s family to assist them at this tragic time.

“The Bermuda Police Service extends condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Martin on his passing. ”

Update 1.06pm: The Oxford Martin School in the UK said it was with “great sadness” they learned of the death of their founder. In a statement posted on their website, they called Dr Martin an “an inspiration to millions” and an “extraordinary intellect.”

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