David Monroe, founder of the San Antonio Museum of Science and Technology (SAMSAT), died in a workplace accident at the Boeing Center at Tech Port. FOX San Antonio reported that Monroe was moving a jet engine with a coworker when it unexpectedly fell on him.
Monroe, 72, was known for his contributions to the tech industry, including serving as Vice President of Research and Development for Datapoint Corporation and holding the patent for the first use of a camera in a cellphone. SAMSAT opened in 2016, providing San Antonio with a dedicated science and technology museum. Texas Public Radio reported that Monroe’s career began at age 16 with work on the Datapoint 2200, considered one of the first desktop personal computers.
Monroe received the San Antonio Technology Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015. SAMSAT continues to honor his legacy through educational programs and outreach.
