That's a shame, I wanted to see him grow and you telling everyone how smart and friendly he was.
I would like a Colubrid, now that I got my Carpet python. I was thinking of a Kingsnake, Rat snake, Bull snake or a False Water Cobra. And the Russin Rat snake always come to mind and is due to the same reasons you mentioned: "the rumored inquisitive/outgoing personality that owners rave about". I guess they are not all like that.

Thanks Red