LAS VEGAS – Tony Hsieh, the retired CEO of Las Vegas-based online shoe retailer Zappos.com, who has spent years working to transform the city’s downtown core, has passed away. He was 46 years old.
Hsieh was with his family when he died on Friday, according to a statement from DTP Companies, which he founded. Downtown Partnership spokeswoman Megan Fazio said Hsieh died in Connecticut, KLAS-TV reported.
Puoy Premsrirut, an attorney for Hsieh, told media that Hsieh was injured in a house fire while on his way to Connecticut. Further details were not immediately released. An official cause of death has not been announced.
“Tony’s kindness and generosity touched the lives of everyone around him and forever lit the world,” a statement from DTP Companies said. “Providing happiness has always been her mantra, so instead of mourning her transition, we ask you to join us in celebrating her life.”
Hsieh recently retired from Zappos after 20 years at the helm of the company. The online shoe retailer shared a tribute on social media Friday night.
“The world has lost a great visionary and an incredible human being,” the statement read. “His mind will forever be part of Zappos.”
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 in the business. until his retirement.
For years he also worked on revitalizing downtown Las Vegas, pledging $ 350 million in 2013 for the redevelopment. That same year, he moved Zappos headquarters to the old Las Vegas City Hall building.
“Tony Hsieh has played a pivotal role in transforming downtown Las Vegas,” Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak tweeted Friday night. “Kathy and I extend our love and condolences to Tony’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
A wave of tributes spread across social media as news of Hsieh’s death spread.
“Tony Hsieh is perhaps the most original thinker I’ve ever been friends with,” tweeted former venture capitalist Chris Sacca. “He questioned every assumption and shared everything he learned along the way. He was really happy to make everyone happy.
Skateboarder and entrepreneur Tony Hawk added, “Tony Hsieh was a visionary. He was generous with his time and ready to share his invaluable expertise with anyone.
“A truly original thinker, a brilliant entrepreneur, and a generous and generous friend to so many people,” entrepreneur Max Levchin tweeted.
