By Mark Gray
10:57am PST, Feb 15, 2024
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In February, it emerged that Senator Mitch McConnell's sister-in-law reportedly drowned in Texas after crashing her car into a body of water on private property. Foul play is not suspected in Angela Chao's death, but authorities are trying to put the pieces of the tragedy together. Still, they have yet to release much information about her death, including the time and location.
Keep reading for more information…
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Angela Chao served as the CEO of dry bulk shipping giant Foremost Group and was the sister of former Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, the wife of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. According to reports, she had a net worth of $100 million.
The businesswoman was married to James Breyer, founder and CEO of Breyer Capital, who is a minority owner of the Boston Celtics.
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Angela Chao's father, James S.C. Chao, released a statement.
"It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved youngest daughter, Angela Chao. Angela is a brilliant woman, a charismatic and visionary leader and much-loved by all her sisters, our entire family and friends. As a daughter, sister, mother, aunt, wife and friend, she was unfailingly filial, thoughtful, kind and devoted.
'These qualities were complemented by a spirited personality, exceptional intelligence, compassion for all and a wonderful sense of humor. She kept us laughing and smiling," he said. "Losing her at such a young age is something we never even imagined, and our entire family is devastated with grief."
The family added, "As a trail blazer for women in the executive suite, she inspired others to pursue their dreams. She also loved music and tried the French horn as her instrument when young, insisting on carrying it herself to every lesson. These early experiences created a lifelong, passionate commitment to the fine arts. Angela's name in Chinese sounds like the characters for peace and prosperity. She certainly gave more than her share of both to this world. Her absence leaves a void not only in our hearts, but in the Asian-American community."
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The Foremost Group released a statement following the death of Angela Chao: "It is with deep sadness that Foremost Group announces the passing of Angela Chao in a tragic car accident.
"Angela Chao was a formidable executive and shipping industry leader, as well as a proud and loving daughter, sister, aunt, wife and mother. She was also a precocious youngster, learning about the shipping industry at an early age as she lovingly followed her father around during 'Take Your Daughter to Work' days on his ships. She placed special emphasis on paying attention to the care and well-being of our crews, and to everyone onboard and onshore who played a role in performing our services. As a result, her leadership in the shipping industry was widely recognized.
"Among other honors, she served as a Board Member of the American Bureau of Shipping Council, as well as a Board Member of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy's International Maritime Business Department Advisory Board. She will be greatly missed and leaves a legacy of pioneering leadership — especially for women — in shipping, philanthropy and the arts."
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Angela Chao's sister, Elaine Chao — who's married to Senator Mitch McConnell — was the U.S. Secretary of Labor in former President George W. Bush's administration from 2001 to 2009 and the Secretary of Transportation in former President Donald Trump's cabinet from 2017 to 2021. She was the first Asian American woman in history to serve in the cabinet.
