Owen Van Natta, the former Facebook Chief Operations Officer and MySpace CEO, died unexpectedly in August 2026 at the age of 56. His family and close colleagues confirmed his passing, although an official cause of death has not been publicly disclosed. News of his death has sparked an outpouring of grief among friends, former colleagues, and members of the wider Silicon Valley community.
Tributes have highlighted Van Natta’s character as much as his accomplishments in the technology industry. Those who knew him remembered him as funny, generous, energetic, and genuinely committed to personal growth. For many who worked alongside him throughout his career, the news of his sudden death has been difficult to process. One particularly moving tribute reflected on the shock of discovering that Van Natta had died and on the unusual friendships that can emerge from professional relationships. The writer recalled spending decades reporting on hundreds of people in Silicon Valley, yet forming genuine friendships with only a select few.
Van Natta was among those rare individuals who became more than a professional acquaintance. He was someone the writer came to admire deeply and regard as a close friend. That personal connection underscored the sense of loss felt by many who knew him beyond his executive titles and industry achievements. His legacy, therefore, extends beyond his leadership roles at two of the internet’s most recognizable social-media companies. For those closest to him, Owen Van Natta will be remembered not simply for what he accomplished, but for the humor, generosity, friendship, and humanity he brought to the people around him.
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