My wife Deb and I are heartbroken to share the sad news that our old friend Jason Snitker AKA Parmaster has passed away.

Par was one of the sharpest and most elusive minds of the early underground hacking scene. As chronicled in “Underground”, he spent years navigating the emerging digital frontier, connecting with hackers internationally and repeatedly staying ahead of the United States Secret Service during a prolonged investigation in the early 1990s.

His story in “Underground” includes the Citibank investigation that helped trigger the pursuit, as well as his time in custody at Rikers Island, where he found himself playing Dungeons & Dragons.

Par’s life reflected both the intensity of the early hacking world and the very real consequences that came with it. He was part of a generation that explored the edges of a new technological landscape before most of the world even understood it existed.

There will be an online memorial gathering on Feb 28. More details to follow.

The old-school hacking community has lost a true original. Rest in peace, Par. If anyone has stories or memories, please share them here.