The world is full of tragedy lately, and this time it hit home a little directly. Lazyworm Apps CEO Atta Elayyan – best known for his work on MetroTube for Windows Phone years ago – was one of the 50 people murdered in the Christchurch, NZ terrorist attack.
Elayyan was just 33 years old, married, and recently became a father.
MetroTube used to go under the name LazyTube, which started around seven years ago and quickly became one of the banner apps for the growing Windows Phone ecosystem. It was an app that galvanized Windows Phone users at a time where Google was snubbing the platform.
Elayyan was one of the most enthusiastic MVP developers on Windows Phone and for Microsoft – he always interacted with the Windows Central community with passion and idealism.
Back in 2012, Elayyan was thrilled to give us a sneak peek of his team's work on MetroTube, and I remember having lunch with him multiple times to talk Windows Phone, Microsoft, and the app developer's life. He was smart, kind, and had his whole life ahead of him. Almost everyone knew him in the Windows Phone developer community.
Our hearts go to his family as well as the other 49 people who were senselessly killed in this tragedy. Please consider donating to the Christchurch Shooting Victims' Fund to help the families who have to endure this heartbreak.
Rest in peace, Atta. You will be missed.
