[ad_1]
LAS VEGAS – 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 the family when he died Friday, according to DTP Companies, which he founded. He died from injuries sustained in a fire on November 18 in New London, Connecticut, Downtown Partnership spokeswoman Megan Fazio told Hearst Connecticut Media on Saturday.
The Day newspaper reported on the day of the fire that a person had been turned away from a New London waterfront house with possible burns and smoke inhalation. The person, whose name was not released by the authorities, was eventually taken to Bridgeport Hospital, which has a burn center.
Fire Chief Thomas Curcio was quoted by The Day as saying crews arrived around 3:30 am after a report of someone trapped in a part of the house that firefighters had to force entered and removed the victim, performed CPR and taken him to the hospital.
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 a tremendous visionary and an incredible 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. company until its retirement.
“Tony’s kindness and generosity have touched the lives of everyone 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.”
For years, Hsieh 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 was instrumental 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.”
Lots of freebies poured on social media.
“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 kindhearted and generous friend to so many,” entrepreneur Max Levchin tweeted.
Ali Partovi, CEO of venture capital fund Neo, was a partner in one of the first initiatives of Hsieh, the Internet advertising firm LinkExchange. In a tweet on Saturday, Partovi said that Hsieh was one of the most creative people she had ever met.
“I will remember your unique combination of genius and mischief, and your maddening ability to bet against all odds and win,” Partovi said.
.
[ad_2]
Source link
