LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Several Nevada leaders are reacting to the death of former Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh reported on Friday.
Hsieh passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, according to a statement by DTP Companies, a company he founded.
RELATED: Tony Hsieh, former Zappos CEO, passes away at 46
The 46-year-old stepped down as the CEO of Zappos back in August and is credited with working on several downtown Las Vegas projects over the years, including investing $350 million into a revitalization effort he named the Downtown Project.
“You knew that you had somebody in Las Vegas that had your back," says Kip Kelly, former downtown Las Vegas casino executive.
Kelly saw firsthand the impact Hseih had on the downtown area.
“He’s a true disruptor in every sense of the word so when he came downtown, he had a mission to disrupt what was currently happening there and gave it a complete face lift," says Kelly.
Sunday, Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak released a Tweet reading Hsieh played a pivotal role in helping transform downtown Las Vegas.
Tony Hsieh played a pivotal role in helping transform Downtown Las Vegas. Kathy and I send our love and condolences to Tony’s family and friends during this difficult time https://t.co/7TXBUDWZe0
— Governor Sisolak (@GovSisolak) November 28, 2020
Downtown Las Vegas casino owner Derek Stevens wrote Hsieh helped change the landscape of downtown Las Vegas.
Supporting this City and the people within it, Tony Hsieh changed the landscape of Downtown Las Vegas. Our community will miss him greatly, rest in peace. I will miss him greatly. pic.twitter.com/eWmAvgLyPM
— Derek Stevens (@DerekJStevens) November 28, 2020
Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman expressed her sympathy.
What a tragic loss. Tony Hsieh meant so much to Las Vegas. He was always dreaming, working to inspire and leading others to create a new vision for tomorrow. Our prayers and sympathies to his family. pic.twitter.com/TeTwk3BGey
— Carolyn G. Goodman (@mayoroflasvegas) November 28, 2020
“Envision, create, and believe in your own universe, and the universe will form around you.”
— City of Las Vegas (@CityOfLasVegas) November 28, 2020
- Tony Hsieh
Tony, thank you for believing in #DTLV ❤️
Tony Hsieh
1973-2020 pic.twitter.com/Vf5GDqGw1q
Councilman Cedric Crear wrote that Hsieh was a very creative person who positively helped change the landscape of downtown Las Vegas.
Very saddened to hear of the passing of Tony Hsieh. Such a creative & innovative person who positively helped change the landscape of Downtown Las Vegas. We have been working on some cool projects for Downtown. God speed to his family, coworkers and our community. #TonyHsieh
— Councilman Cedric Crear (@CouncilmanCrear) November 28, 2020
Ivanka Trump tweeted about her friendship with Hsieh on Saturday morning:
Celebrating the life while mourning the loss of my dear friend Tony Hsieh. Tony was a deeply original thinker always challenging me to reject conformity & follow my heart. Tony was driven by the mission of delivering happiness & brought joy to all who knew him. Rest In Peace Tony pic.twitter.com/Nd5o6U7wV9
— Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) November 28, 2020
Statement from Downtown Vegas Alliance on Tony Hsieh:
Tony Hsieh was a true visionary and champion of downtown Las Vegas. His purchase of the former city hall, his relocation of Zappos to downtown and his significant investment in businesses large and small throughout the area, were a spark and a catalyst for downtown revitalization. His Zappos and DTP teams continue to be active members of the Downtown Vegas Alliance, a consortium of downtown businesses, hosting many events on behalf of the organization. We are fortunate to have benefited from his leadership and support. The Downtown Vegas Alliance is forever grateful for his lasting imprint on and uplift to the area.
MGM Grand has also issued a statement:
Tony Hsieh was a unique visionary who leaves an indelible mark on Las Vegas and the world. pic.twitter.com/7wAwdwedSQ
— MGM Resorts (@MGMResortsIntl) November 28, 2020
Stay with 13 Action News for updates on this developing story
