The gaming community mourns the shocking loss of Sean Smith aka Vile Rat

One of the many awful aspects of attacks like those in Libya, is how far reaching the aftermath can be. Among the casualties of the horrific destruction on this occasion was a diplomatic official for the American consulate and senior member of the EVE Online community named Sean Smith AKA Vile Rat.

His close friend, The Mittani, responded to the tragic news in a profoundly moving post, as exemplified by the following extract: 

"So: Vile Rat, Sean Smith, my friend for over six years, both in real life and in internet spaceships, was the “State Department Official” killed in Benghazi by a mob of religious lunatics, who had been incited to violence on this September 11th by a movie that was apparently made sometime in July. Obviously, given the combined attacks in Egypt and in Libya, this was a coordinated act designed for maximum media exposure; rile up a mob, point them at an embassy or consulate on 9/11 in particular, aim for the press. Many were injured in these pointless, reprehensible acts, and one of my closest friends was killed as a result."

In the EVE Online community, efforts have begun to generate PLEX as part of a drive to assist Smith's loved ones. In addition, many players are paying their respects in this thread on the EVE forums and leaving messages of support on The Mittani's site.

We here at ZAM network extend our heartfelt condolences to Sean's family, friends and corp mates.

Julian "Mirai" Williams