Tony Hsieh, retired CEO of online shoe retailer Zappos, has died at 46



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Tony Hsieh, retired CEO of Las Vegas-based online shoe retailer Zappos.com, who worked for years to transform the downtown area, is dead. He was 46.

Hsieh was with his family when he died on Friday, according to a statement from DTP Companies, which he founded. Downtown Partnership spokesperson Megan Fazio said Hsieh died in Connecticut, KLAS-TV reported.

Puoy Premsrirut, a lawyer for Hsieh, told news reports that Hsieh was injured in a fire during a visit to Connecticut. Further details were not released immediately. No official cause of death has been announced.

“Tony’s kindness and generosity have touched the lives of all around him and forever illuminated the world,” says a statement from DTP Companies. “Offering happiness has always been her mantra, so instead of mourning her transition, we ask you to join us in celebrating her life.”

Hsieh recently retired from Zappos after 20 years at the helm of the company. The online shoe retailer shared a tribute on social media on Friday.

“The world has lost an amazing visionary and an amazing human being,” the statement said. “His spirit will forever be a part of Zappos.”

Hsieh was a Harvard University graduate who joined the company – then called ShoeSite.com – in 1999. Zappos was sold to Amazon for $ 1.2 billion in 2009, but Hsieh stayed with the company. until its withdrawal.

For years, he has also worked to revitalize downtown Las Vegas, pledging $ 350 million in 2013 for redevelopment. The same year, he moved the Zappos headquarters to the former Las Vegas City Hall building.

“Tony Hsieh played a pivotal role in helping transform Downtown Las Vegas,” Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak tweeted Friday night. “Kathy and I send our love and condolences to Tony’s family and friends during this difficult time.”

A wave of tribute poured into social media as news of Hsieh’s death spread.

“Tony Hsieh may be the most original thinker I’ve ever been friends with,” tweeted former venture investor Chris Sacca. “He questioned every assumption and shared everything he learned along the way. He was genuinely happy to make anyone and everyone happy.”

Skateboarder and entrepreneur Tony Hawk added: “Tony Hsieh was a visionary. He was generous with his time and willing to share his invaluable experience with anyone.”

“A truly original thinker, a brilliant entrepreneur and a generous and kindhearted friend to many,” tweeted software engineer and entrepreneur Max Levchin.



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