‘He inspired millions’

The family and close friends of Dr James Martin gathered at his home on Agar’s Island last night in the wake of his death.

It remains unclear exactly how the 79-year-old philanthropist and author died.

His body was found by a kayaker at around 5:30pm on Monday, floating in the waters of the Great Sound, near Agar’s Island.

Police yesterday confirmed that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding Dr Martin’s death.

The English-born IT and business guru wrote more than 100 textbooks and donated $150 million to an Oxford school that now bears his name. In a tribute yesterday, the school stated that he “inspired millions” and that the world has lost a “towering intellect”.  

Islanders who crossed paths with Dr James Martin have told us they were struck by his intellect and generosity.

They said his death was a loss to not just for Bermuda, but the whole world.

‘An amazing person’

Dr Tony Knap, the former boss of the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences where Dr Martin made a number of speeches, said: “James Martin was an amazing person who was really interested in the impact of man on the future of the planet... Jim was truly a brilliant man and will be missed.” 

A police spokesman 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. A Family Liaison Officer has been assigned to Dr. Martin’s family to assist them at this tragic time.”