[singpilot]

We all practice the rapid decompression dive. But a not so rapid decompression (say 1000' per minute), might not have been noticed, believe it or not.

First sign of trouble to such a crew might have been the "LOW CABIN PRESSURE" EICAS message. Meaning 'high cabin altitude'. Book says 'Masks on, check 100% (oxygen), check A/C sources (packs and bleeds), use manual pressurization (usually closing the outflow valve), and check cabin rate'. If no joy, or at first sign of smoke or contamination, declare and descend.

Captain out of the seat says to me bad timing, or he was up troubleshooting. Or maybe removed by the FA or pax trying to get him revived with the walkaround bottle (if the pilots O2 valve was closed, for instance). The valve's location would not have been evident to anyone else, the FO being asleep too.

All of this is speculation (dangerous), but would explain the apparent circumstances.

Captains' body not identified yet. The cause will eventually be found. The Government of Cypress 'raided' the offices of the airline in Larnaca today. Is their way of getting maintenance records. Hopefuly they will keep them reasonably intact.