UPDATE: Felix Rappaport died from heart disease

UPDATE JUNE 20: Officials in Connecticut are saying that Felix Rappaport died of heart disease. 

UPDATE JUNE 19: Las Vegas headliner Criss Angel remembered Felix Rappaport in a touching tribute on his Instagram.

It reads in part, "He gave me so much personally and professionally... A career in Vegas that started 10 years ago, touring and even after his passing today, he is still responsible for making the connection for my new show which hasn't even opened yet. He was a visionary and gave me a license to reach my fullest creative potential."

 

This is one of the hardest posts I ever had to write cause today I lost a very dear friend, Felix Rappaport who changed my life! He gave me so much personally and professionally... A career in Vegas that started 10 years ago, touring and even after his passing today, he is still responsible for making the connection for my new show which hasn’t even opened yet. He was a visionary and gave me a license to reach my fullest creative potential live and on my TV series shot at his hotel. He helped me anyway he could no matter what or when. He always believed in me and the goodness in people. He always made everyone feel important and special no matter who they were. He supported children and their causes relentlessly. His love for family, friends, employees and those less fortunate will never be matched. He truly was unique and an original icon and that was reflected in how he dealt with people, from the heart, NEVER from power - even though he was powerful. I think every executive, president and person could learn invaluable lessons from how he was cause he was a rare breed and the only breed! I will miss you Felix everyday until we meet again. I love you forever and cherish all the time we had together at celebrations, dinners and our conversations. I owe my career to you and all I have learned from you as a person. May you Rest In Peace my true rare friend-your brother, Christopher - and yes I promise, I’m gonna ride the zip line and feel the warmth of your sunshine on my face.

A post shared by Criss Angel (@crissangel) on Jun 19, 2018 at 12:49am PDT

ORIGINAL STORY

Felix Rappaport, president and CEO of Foxwoods Resort Casino, has died.

His death was unexpected and a cause of death has not been determined. Rappaport was 65 years old at the time of his death. 

Rappaport is one of the most well-known names in the industry and was based in Las Vegas for many years. He worked for Station Casinos and Treasure Island and served as president and COO of Mirage, New York-New York, Luxor and Excalibur while employed by MGM International. 

MGM Resorts International Chairman & CEO Jim Murren released the following statement on the passing of former MGM Resorts leader Felix Rappaport:

We are saddened by the news of the passing of our former colleague and friend, Felix Rappaport. Felix was a member of the MGM Resorts family for more than two decades and is remembered fondly by many. Our condolences and prayers go out to his family at this difficult time.

Rappaport spent four years at Foxwoods, one of the world's largest and most successful gaming enterprises. 

Before coming to Las Vegas, Rappaport managed hotels in the Philadelphia area. 

His body was found Monday morning in a suite at Foxwoods in Connecticut. No foul play is suspected. 

RELATED: Behind the scenes, Rappaport was a star on the Strip