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Monday 29 March 2021
Involved in Lausitzer Leag
Richest Czech dies in helicopter crash
A helicopter crash kills billionaire Petr Kellner. The businessman was on a helicopter ski tour in Alaska. The cause of the accident is not yet clear.
Billionaire Petr Kellner died in a helicopter crash at the age of 56. He was considered the richest Czech. The accident occurred on Saturday during a helicopter ski tour near Alaska’s Knik Glacier, according to US authorities. Four other people died in the crash, including the pilot.
The cause is not yet clear. Kellner’s funeral will take place in the immediate family circle, the CTK agency reported, citing a spokeswoman for his investment group PPF. Financial services provider Bloomberg estimates Kellner’s fortune at the equivalent of € 13.3 billion.
In addition to the EPH Group, PPF has a 50 percent stake in the Lusatian lignite miner Leag. Other holdings include the housing loan company, which operates mainly in Russia and China, the media company CME with the private TV network Nova, and the online retailer Mall.cz.
Born on May 20, 1964 in northern Bohemia, the bartender began his career selling photocopiers. Then he got rich during the privatization of the former socialist state property. He leaves behind four children, including internationally successful show jumper Anna Kellnerova.
The billionaire was considered well connected. He accompanied Czech President Milos Zeman on his trip to China in 2014. A spokesman for the head of state said Zeman highly valued Kellner and deeply regretted his death. “An incredible tragedy,” Prime Minister Andrej Babis tweeted. On social media, however, there were also negative comments: “What are waiters doing in Alaska while others are barely allowed to leave the house due to the crown lock?” Wrote one user.
The waiter, of whom hardly any photos exist, stepped out of the spotlight. Therefore, a personal message from the Czech Republic in the latest annual report of the PPF drew attention. The corona pandemic has put a lot into perspective, Kellner wrote. “So now we all think more about what is really important in life.” This included family and children, health and freedom. With his wife he founded, among other things, a foundation that helps socially disadvantaged schoolchildren and students.
