Current:Home > ContactAngela Chao Case: Untangling the Mystery Surrounding the Billionaire's Death -FutureFinance
Angela Chao Case: Untangling the Mystery Surrounding the Billionaire's Death
NovaQuant Quantitative Think Tank Center View
Date:2025-04-10 21:09:26
More details surrounding Angela Chao's untimely death have emerged.
The billionaire shipping tycoon—whose sister is married to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell—died in February at the age of 50. At the time, information surrounding Chao's passing was sparse, with her family only confirming that she had died in a car accident.
Now, more than a month later, officials released their findings into the incident that took Chao's life, revealing her harrowing last moments. In a Blanco County Sheriff's Office report obtained by Associated News, authorities determined that Chao was intoxicated with a blood alcohol level of nearly three times the state's legal limit when she drove her Tesla into a pond located on her and husband Jim Breyer's Johnson City, Texas ranch.
Calling her death an "unfortunate accident," officials said Chao exchanged words with her friend Amber Keinan on the phone as her car filled with water.
"Chao told Keinan the water was rising and she was going to die and said 'I love you,'" the police report stated. "Chao then said her good byes to Keinan."
Here is everything that's known about Chao's death:
Who is Angela Chao?
Chao was chairwoman and CEO of the Foremost Group, a shipping business founded by her father James Chao during the 1960s. Her family—which includes older sister Elaine Chao, the wife of Mitch McConnell who served as the Secretary of Labor in George W. Bush's administration and as the Secretary of Transportation during Donald Trump's presidency—is estimated to have a net worth of $14.2 billion, according to Forbes.
Chao was married to Jim Breyer, a billionaire venture capitalist, at the time of her death.
How did Angela Chao die?
According to the Blanco County Sheriff's Office report, Chao died after accidentally reversing her Tesla into a pond near the guest lodge of her Texas ranch on Feb. 10. She hosted a dinner with friends earlier in the night, authorities said in the document, and got into her car around 11:30 p.m. when guests were leaving.
Her friend Amber Keinan told investigators that Chao called her at 11:42 p.m. and said she was trapped inside the car as it filled with water. The conversation lasted 8 minutes, with Chao saying that she was going to die and telling Keinan "I love you," according to the police report.
What happened to Angela Chao after her car went into the water?
The police report about Chao's case said her friends attempted to reach her while she was in the water, including by swimming and kayaking to her submerged vehicle. Chao was freed after first responders—who were called in around 11:55 p.m.—went into the pond and broke the driver's side window, per the report.
When did Angela Chao die?
Chao was pronounced dead at 1:40 a.m. Feb. 11 after rescuers pulled her and her car to shore.
What was Angela Chao's blood alcohol level?
A toxicology test showed that the shipping magnate had a blood alcohol concentration level of 0.233 grams per 100 milliliters, according to the report. The reading was above the .08 legal limit in Texas.
E! News has reached out to the Blanco County Sheriff's Office for additional comment but hasn't heard back.
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (8)
Related
- A White House order claims to end 'censorship.' What does that mean?
- Two and a Half Men's Angus T. Jones Spotted on Rare Outing—With His Flip Phone
- 1 killed, 3 injured after shooting at Texas shopping center; suspected shooter dead
- Judge halts drag show restrictions from taking effect in Texas
- A Mississippi company is sentenced for mislabeling cheap seafood as premium local fish
- Trial underway for Iowa teenager accused of murdering 2 at school for at-risk youth
- After Maui’s wildfires, thousands brace for long process of restoring safe water service
- 2nd man charged in July shooting at massive Indiana block party that killed 1, injured 17
- The Daily Money: Spending more on holiday travel?
- Gabon coup attempt sees military chiefs declare election results cancelled and end to current regime
Ranking
- Could your smelly farts help science?
- Canada issues US travel advisory warning LGBTQ+ community about laws thay may affect them
- Pringles debuting Everything Bagel-flavored crisps, available in stores for a limited time
- Dog repeatedly escapes animal shelter, sneaks into nursing home, is adopted by residents
- The Grammy nominee you need to hear: Esperanza Spalding
- Man escapes mental hospital in Oregon while fully shackled and drives away
- AP Week in Pictures: North America
- FBI updates photo of University of Wisconsin bomber wanted for 53 years
Recommendation
Selena Gomez's "Weird Uncles" Steve Martin and Martin Short React to Her Engagement
Princess Diana Honored by Brother Charles Spencer on Anniversary of Her Death
Where RHOSLC's Meredith Marks and Lisa Barlow Stand Today After Years-Long Feud
Students with disabilities in Pennsylvania will get more time in school under settlement
The Super Bowl could end in a 'three
After years of fighting, a praying football coach got his job back. Now he’s unsure he wants it
Love Is Blind: After the Altar Season 4 Status Check: See Which Couples Are Still Together
Scientists say study found a direct link between greenhouse gas emissions and polar bear survival