Crime & Safety
Former CEO Died From Smoke Inhalation In New London Fire
The death of Tony Hsieh, former CEO of online shoe retailer Zappos, in a New London fire has been ruled accidental.
NEW LONDON, CT — The death of Tony Hsieh, the former CEO of Las Vegas-based online shoe retailer Zappos, has been ruled by the state Medical Examiner as the result of complications from smoke inhalation, according to The Day. Emergency crews responded to the call for a fire at a home with a person stuck inside at 500 Pequot Ave. on Nov. 18 at 3:26 a.m.
Those at the home informed emergency crews that a man, later identified as Hsieh, 46, was locked inside a storage area where smoke was coming out at the rear of the residence, and they were unable to get him out.
Emergency personnel breached the storage area door, retrieved Hsieh, and extinguished the fire, according to a police statement.
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Hsieh was transported to L+M Hospital for severe injuries he sustained. Following initial treatment, Hsieh was then transported to Bridgeport Hospital’s Burn Center for more extensive medical care.
Hsieh's death has been ruled accidental, according to The Day.
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Hsieh spent years working to transform Las Vegas through the Downtown Project, a revitalization effort.
"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."
Hsieh was in Connecticut visiting family when the fire broke out.
Hsieh recently retired from Zappos after 20 years leading the company, according to The Associated Press. The online shoe retailer shared a tribute on social media.
"The world has lost a tremendous visionary and an incredible human being," the statement said. "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.
See related: Tony Hsieh, Retired Zappos CEO, Dies After New London House Fire
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