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LAS VEGAS: Tony Hsieh, the retired CEO of Las Vegas-based online shoe retailer Zappos.com, who spent years working to transform downtown, has passed away. He was 46 years old.
Hsieh was with her family when she died on Friday (November 27), according to DTP Companies, which she founded. He died of injuries sustained in a November 18 fire 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 taken from a waterfront home in New London with possible burns and smoke inhalation. The person, whose name authorities did not release, was eventually taken to Bridgeport Hospital, which has a burn center.
Fire Chief Thomas Curcio was quoted by The Day as saying that crew members arrived around 3.30am after a report of someone trapped in part of the home, that firefighters had to break in, and that they took the victim out, performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation and took him to a 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 night.
“The world has lost a tremendous visionary and an incredible human being,” the statement said. “His spirit will always be a part of Zappos.”
Obit Tony Hsieh
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 remained with the company until his retirement.
“Tony’s kindness and generosity touched the lives of everyone around him and made the world happy forever,” said a statement from DTP Companies. “Offering happiness was always his mantra, so instead of regretting his transition, we ask you to join us in celebrating his life.”
For years, Hsieh also worked to revitalize downtown Las Vegas, committing $ 350 million in 2013 for the remodel. The same year he moved the Zappos headquarters to the old Las Vegas City Hall.
“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.”
Obit Tony Hsieh
Many tributes were spilled on social networks.
“His curiosity, vision and relentless focus on customers leave an indelible mark,” Jeff Bezos, Amazon CEO and president, posted on Instagram. “You will be missed by many, Tony. Rest in peace.”
“Tony Hsieh might be the most original thinker I’ve ever been friends with,” tweeted former venture capitalist Chris Sacca. “He questioned all the assumptions and shared everything he learned along the way. He really took delight in making everyone happy. “
Skater and entrepreneur Tony Hawk added: “Tony Hsieh was a visionary. He was generous with his time and was willing to share his invaluable experience with anyone. “
“A truly original thinker, a brilliant businessman, and a kind-hearted and generous friend to many,” tweeted businessman Max Levchin.
Ali Partovi, CEO of the Neo venture capital fund, was a partner in one of Hsieh’s first companies, the Internet advertising company LinkExchange. In a tweet on Saturday, Partovi said that Hsieh was one of the most creative people he had ever met.
“I will remember your unique combination of genius and mischief, and your infuriating ability to bet through thick and thin and win,” Partovi said.
