Foremost Group CEO Angela Chao tragically lost her life last month in a devastating accident that shocked many. The accident occurred on the Texas ranch she co-owned with her husband, billionaire venture capitalist Jim Breyer. According to a recently released police report, Chao, who was intoxicated at the time, accidentally drove her Tesla X SUV in reverse over a wall into a pond on their ranch.
Despite efforts from friends and rescue workers to rescue the 50-year-old shipping executive from the submerged vehicle, their attempts were unsuccessful. The police report concluded that Chao’s death was the result of an “unfortunate accident.”
Subsequent toxicology reports revealed that Chao had a blood-alcohol concentration of .233, nearly three times the legal limit for driving in Texas. Surveillance footage from the ranch showed Chao walking unsteadily to her vehicle earlier that night, indicating her intoxicated state.
On the evening of the accident, Chao was hosting seven close friends at the guest house on their 4,500-acre JW Ranch. The group had gathered after attending a concert by rapper Pitbull in nearby Austin. Most of the women were from New York and had attended Harvard Business School with Chao.
After sharing dinner and drinks, Chao left the guest house around 11:30 p.m. to drive approximately one mile to the main house. Unfortunately, her Tesla struck a retaining wall near the pond, causing the vehicle to become airborne and roll into the water.
Chao’s friends immediately sprang into action upon learning of the accident. One friend, Amber Landeau-Kienan, received a call from Chao and rushed outside to see the submerged Tesla. Despite efforts to rescue her, Chao calmly informed her friend that she was unable to escape the vehicle as the water level rose.
Emergency services were promptly notified, and rescue workers arrived at the scene. Despite their best efforts, Chao was pronounced dead at 1:40 a.m. on February 11th.
In the days following the accident, the Texas Rangers and FBI, after reviewing evidence, concluded that the incident was a tragic accident.
Angela Chao’s passing has left a profound impact on her family, friends, and colleagues. As CEO of Foremost Group, Chao had made significant contributions to the shipping industry. Her sudden and untimely death has left a void in the hearts of those who knew her.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Chao was deeply involved in various philanthropic and cultural organizations, serving on the boards of the American Bureau of Shipping Council, Harvard Business School’s Board of Dean’s Advisors, and the Metropolitan Opera in New York.
Her tragic death has also affected her family, including her husband, Jim Breyer, who is part owner of the NBA’s Boston Celtics. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who is married to Chao’s sister Elaine, announced his decision to step down from his leadership position, citing Angela Chao’s passing as a contributing factor.
As the investigation into the accident continues, Angela Chao’s memory lives on through the profound impact she made during her lifetime. Her family, friends, and colleagues mourn her loss and cherish the memories they shared with her.
