Angela Chao Obituary, Cause of Death: What Happened to Foremost Group CEO? How Did She Die?
Angela Chao, the CEO of Foremost Group, a privately held American shipping company that operates globally, chartering vessels to companies in the dry bulk shipping industry, passed away in a tragic automobile accident on February 11, 2024, at the age of 50.
She was the sixth daughter of the company’s founders, James S. C. Chao and Ruth Mulan Chu Chao, who each immigrated to the United States from China by way of Taiwan. She was also the sister of Elaine Chao, who served as Secretary of Transportation in the Trump administration and as Secretary of Labor in the administration of former President George W. Bush.
Angela Chao became CEO of Foremost Group in 2018 and led the company with honor, integrity, and performance. She was committed to exceptional service and environmental sustainability, as well as supporting humanitarian causes and cultural diversity. She was widely respected by her peers, clients, and partners for her knowledge and passion for dry bulk shipping.
A Tragic Loss for the Shipping Industry and the Community
Chao was widely regarded as one of the most influential and respected leaders in the global shipping industry, as well as a generous philanthropist and a devoted advocate for education, culture, and the environment. She joined Foremost Group, the company founded by her parents James and Ruth Chao in 1964, in 2001 and became its CEO in 2018.
Under her leadership, Foremost Group expanded its fleet of eco-friendly and high-performance vessels, serving blue-chip clients such as Bunge, Cargill, Dreyfus, MOL, and NYK Line. She also established strategic partnerships with major shipyards and banks in Asia and Europe, and served on the boards of the Bank of China and the China State Shipbuilding Corporation.
Chao was passionate about promoting the advancement of the shipping industry and its contribution to the global economy and society. She was an active member of various industry associations, such as the Baltic and International Maritime Council, the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners, the North American Marine Environment Protection Association, and the American Bureau of Shipping. She also participated in several international forums and conferences, sharing her insights and vision on topics such as innovation, sustainability, diversity, and leadership.
Chao was also a generous supporter of various causes and organizations that aligned with her values and interests. She donated to Harvard University, her alma mater, where she established the Ruth Mulan Chu Chao Center, the first building on campus named after a woman and an Asian American. She also funded scholarships for students from low-income backgrounds and underrepresented groups.
Angela Chao Obituary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Angela Chao |
| Born | c. 1973, Syosset, New York, U.S. |
| Died | February 11, 2024 (aged 50), Johnson City, Texas, U.S. |
| Alma Mater | Harvard University (BA, MBA) |
| Occupation | Businesswoman |
| Positions | CEO of Foremost Group |
| Spouse(s) | Bruce Wasserstein (m. 2009; his death 2009), Jim Breyer (m. 2012) |
| Parents | James S. C. Chao, Ruth Mulan Chu Chao |
| Relatives | Elaine Chao (sister) |
| Wikipedia | @Angela_Chao |
A Loving Wife, Sister, and Daughter
Chao was married to Jim Breyer, a venture capitalist and a part owner of the Boston Celtics. They met at Harvard Business School and tied the knot in 2014. They shared a love for travel, sports, and philanthropy. They had no children.
Chao was the youngest of six daughters of James and Ruth Chao, who immigrated to the United States from China via Taiwan in the 1950s. She was very close to her parents and sisters, who described her as a kind, smart, and compassionate person. She was especially proud of her sister Elaine Chao, who served as the Secretary of Transportation under former President Donald Trump and the Secretary of Labor under former President George W. Bush. Elaine Chao is married to Senator Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader in the Senate.
Chao’s family announced her death in a statement on February 12, 2024, expressing their grief and gratitude for the outpouring of condolences and tributes from friends, colleagues, and admirers. They said that Chao’s legacy will live on through her work, her philanthropy, and her love.
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A Mysterious and Unfortunate Accident
The details of Chao’s fatal car accident are still under investigation by the Blanco County Sheriff’s Office. According to the police report, Chao’s car was hit by a speeding truck that ran a red light at an intersection in Johnson City, a town about 40 miles west of Austin, where Chao was staying for a business meeting. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the truck, whose name has not been released, was arrested and charged with manslaughter and reckless driving. The police are looking into the possibility of alcohol or drug involvement, as well as the motive and background of the driver. The police have not ruled out foul play, but have not found any evidence of a deliberate attack or a political motive.
Chao’s death has shocked and saddened the shipping industry and the community, as well as her family and friends. Many people have paid tribute to her on social media and in the press, remembering her as a visionary leader, a generous benefactor, and a warm-hearted person. Her funeral service will be held in New York City, where she lived and worked, on February 20, 2024. She will be buried next to her mother, who passed away in 2007, at the Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx.
Death Cause
Angela, the CEO of Foremost Group, tragically passed away on February 11, 2024, in an incident involving her car going into a pond on a private ranch in Blanco County, Texas. The circumstances surrounding her death are under investigation, and authorities have described it as an unfortunate accident. Angela was a prominent figure, known for her leadership in the shipping industry and her contributions to philanthropy through the Foremost Foundation. Her untimely death has left a significant void, and she is remembered for her impact on both her industry and the Asian-American community.
