The tragic death of Warren Symcox is far more than a terrible loss to his family and friends. The likable and affable Warren was one of De Beers' most brilliant young executives.

Warren would have risen to the top. He would be one of the very small (much too small) cadre of those possessing a comprehensive grasp of all aspects of the diamond mining and marketing business who would have made, one day, a great managing director of De Beers.

In Israel Warren is fondly remembered for his years heading the Israel desk at the DTC. Bourse President Shmuel Schnitzer has expressed the shock, sadness and condolences of the Israeli diamond community to De Beers and Warren's wife Linda and children Jacqueline and Warwick.

"During the time we knew him he proved himself to be a true and loyal friend to the Israel diamond industry," commented Schnitzer.

My thoughts are also with the driver of the car, a close family friend of Warren who was together with him for a weekend safari. While badly wounded himself, he tried to provide medical care to the family members while waiting for hours to be rescued.

This tragedy will have an impact on many personal lives. I hate using cliches, but this loss is really the loss of the entire worldwide diamond community.