Obituary of Dr. David Michael Epstein

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Dr. David Michael Epstein of Boulder, Colorado. He passed away on July 18, 2026, surrounded by his family in Boston, Massachusetts.

David was born on December 13, 1958, in Denver, Colorado, to the late Edmund Epstein and Judith Epstein (née Garell). David lived in many places, including San Diego, CA, Long Island, NY, Singapore, and Belmont, MA, before recently settling in his beloved Colorado. 

A scientist, entrepreneur, enthusiastic cyclist, Grateful Dead fan, and dad-joke connoisseur, David adored family and his two daughters over all and impacted the lives of countless people wherever he encountered them. In 1984, David lived and taught English in China, where he met his wife, Leah Ziyan Wu. They later married on August 8, 1988, in Colorado. He and Leah raised their two beautiful daughters, Zoe Epstein and Elle Epstein, whom he loved more than life itself. His deep curiosity and love of adventure influenced others to venture beyond their comfort zone and to take risks of their own. 

David was a scientific mentor to countless people over the course of his career. He attended Lewis & Clark College, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. David earned his Ph.D. in Biochemistry at Brandeis University under the mentorship of Dr. Robert H. Abeles and Dr. Pieter C. Wensink. David later pursued his post-doctoral fellowship in protein NMR at The Scripps Research Institute under the guidance of Dr. Peter E. Wright and Dr. Stephen J. Benkovic. Early in his career, David co-founded Archemix Corporation. He later served as Chief Scientific Officer at OSI Pharmaceuticals and as Vice Dean for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore. David was the Founding President and CEO of Black Diamond Therapeutics (BDTX), where he helped shape the company from its scientific inception through its successful public offering and the advancement of multiple precision oncology therapies into clinical trials. David was also instrumental in the spin-out of Launchpad Therapeutics from BDTX. In the final chapter of his career, David co-founded PairX Bio, serving as its President and CEO, where he remained deeply engaged in the company's scientific mission until the end of his life. Throughout his career, David led research and development efforts across the United States and Asia, including China, Singapore, and Japan, where his passion for science and unwavering commitment to improving patients’ lives drove the discovery and development of novel precision medicines.

Out of all of David's life achievements, the best is that he succeeded at fatherhood. David lived his life with a constant sense of humor, generosity of spirit, and a mischievous smile. David reveled in engaging family and friends in wide-ranging conversations. He was a lifelong reader, traveler, and foodie, creating countless memories by bringing his family around the world to explore new places, experience different cultures, and share meals together. 

Loved by dear family, friends, and colleagues far and wide, David will be sorely missed by all. Survived by his beloved wife, Leah Ziyan Wu, and cherished two daughters, Zoe Epstein and Elle Epstein. Also survived by sister Shelley McGhee (Tom McGhee), brother Robert Epstein (Margot Berg), as well as many cousins; beloved “Uncle Buzz” to his three nieces Sydney Epstein, Emma McGhee, and Ivy Epstein.

Funeral services will be held in Denver, CO, on Tuesday, July 28th at 10:00 AM Mountain Time at Congregation Rodef Shalom. The service will be livestreamed at  https://www.rodef-shalom.org/stream. Interment to follow at Emanuel Cemetery (within Fairmount Cemetery) and later, Shiva and celebration of life. 

Those wishing to honor David's memory may make a donation to the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) in his name. The PMC brought together two of David's greatest passions–advancing the fight against cancer and cycling. A dedicated rider and longtime supporter, David participated in the PMC for two decades. For more information on how to donate, please visit: https://profile.pmc.org/pmc/ZE0005. David's daughter, Zoe, will be riding in David's honor at this year's PMC. They had planned to ride together in this year's PMC on Saturday, August 1, 2026, and Zoe will continue the ride in celebration of her father's life and legacy.