Current:Home > MarketsAngela Chao Case: Untangling the Mystery Surrounding the Billionaire's Death -Ascend Wealth Education
Angela Chao Case: Untangling the Mystery Surrounding the Billionaire's Death
View
Date:2025-04-12 01:30:46
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! (93)
Related
- Sarah J. Maas books explained: How to read 'ACOTAR,' 'Throne of Glass' in order.
- The economy's long, hot, and uncertain summer — CBS News poll
- Win, lose or draw: How USWNT can advance to World Cup knockout rounds, avoid embarrassment
- Nicki Minaj is coming to Call of Duty as first female Operator
- A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
- Spain identifies 212 German, Austrian and Dutch fighters who went missing during Spanish Civil War
- Author Iyanla Vanzant Mourns Death of Youngest Daughter
- $1.05 billion Mega Million jackpot is among a surge in huge payouts due to more than just luck
- Federal hiring is about to get the Trump treatment
- The stars of Broadway’s ‘Back to the Future’ musical happily speed into the past every night
Ranking
- Brianna LaPaglia Reveals The Meaning Behind Her "Chickenfry" Nickname
- Wisconsin judge dismisses lawsuit over military voting lists
- Rapper G Herbo pleads guilty in credit card fraud scheme, faces up to 25 years in prison
- Turn Your Favorite Pet Photos Into a Pawfect Portrait for Just $20
- Federal Spending Freeze Could Have Widespread Impact on Environment, Emergency Management
- 6-year-old girl dead after being struck by family's boat at lake
- Inmate sues one of the nation’s largest private prison operators over his 2021 stabbing
- This man owns 300 perfect, vintage, in-box Barbies. This is the story of how it happened
Recommendation
Have Dry, Sensitive Skin? You Need To Add These Gentle Skincare Products to Your Routine
Wisconsin man found dead at Disney resort after falling from balcony, police say
'A money making machine': Is Nashville's iconic Lower Broadway losing its music soul?
These are the top 10 youngest wealthiest women in America. Can you guess who they are?
Will the 'Yellowstone' finale be the last episode? What we know about Season 6, spinoffs
Here’s how hot and extreme the summer has been, and it’s only halfway over
Turn Your Favorite Pet Photos Into a Pawfect Portrait for Just $20
Georgia resident dies from rare brain-eating amoeba, likely infected while swimming in a lake or pond