Retired Zappos CEO dies after New London house fire
Tony Hsieh, the retired CEO of Las Vegas-based online shoe retailer Zappos.com who spent years working to transform that city's downtown area, has died. He was 46.
Hsieh was with his family when he died Friday, according to a statement from DTP Companies, which he founded.
Downtown Partnership spokeswoman Megan Fazio told Hearst Connecticut Media on Saturday afternoon that Hsieh died from injuries he sustained in a Nov. 18 fire in New London, Conn.
Shortly after the fire, the New London Fire Department tweeted, “Units operated at a working fire 500 Pequot Ave., with reported people trapped. One person was rescued and transported to the hospital.”
On Nov. 18, The Day reported fire officials said one person was removed from the home and taken by ambulance for treatment at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London. The victim, suffering from possible burns and smoke inhalation, later was flown to Bridgeport Hospital, which is home to the Connecticut Burn Center.
“Tony’s kindness and generosity touched the lives of everyone around him, and forever brightened the world,” a DTP Companies statement said. “Delivering happiness was always his mantra, so instead of mourning his transition, we ask you to join us in celebrating his life.”
Earlier this year, Hsieh retired from Zappos after 20 years leading the company. The online shoe retailer shared a tribute on social media late Friday.
“The world has lost a tremendous visionary and
an incredible human being,” according to the statement. “His spirit will forever be a 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 had remained with the company until his retirement.
For years, he also worked to revitalize downtown Las Vegas, pledging $ 350 million in 2013 for redevelopment. The same year, he moved Zappos' headquarters into the former Las Vegas City Hall building.
“Tony Hsieh played a pivotal role in helping transform Downtown Las Vegas,” Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak tweeted Friday night. “Kathy and I send our love and condolences to Tony’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
Many tributes poured out on social media.
“Tony Hsieh might be the most original thinker I’ve ever been friends with,” former venture investor Chris Sacca
tweeted. “He questioned every assumption and shared everything he learned along the way. He genuinely delighted in making anyone and everyone happy.”
Skateboarder and entrepreneur Tony Hawk added, “Tony Hsieh was a visionary. He was generous with his time and willing to share his invaluable expertise with anyone.”
“A truly original thinker, a brilliant entrepreneur, and a kind-hearted and generous friend to so many,” tweeted entrepreneur Max Levchin.
Ali Partovi, CEO of the venture capital fund Neo, was a partner in one of Hsieh’s earliest ventures, the internet advertising company LinkExchange. In a tweet Saturday, Partovi said Hsieh was one of the most creative people he had ever known.
“I’ll remember your unique combo of genius and mischief, and your infuriating ability to bet against all odds and win,” Partovi said.