A prominent Chicago billionaire died on Sunday, June 25, in a car crash at a racetrack in Colorado.
The Pitkin County Coroner’s Office reported that James Crown, a respected businessman and philanthropist hailing from Chicago’s affluent Crown family, sustained fatal injuries after colliding with an impact barrier at Woody Creek’s Aspen Motorsports Park. The exact cause of his death is yet to be determined, pending further investigation by the coroner’s office.
At the time of the accident, Crown, 70, was the owner of Aspen Skiing Company, in addition to his involvement in various other business ventures.
Reacting to the news, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson revealed his sorrow upon hearing about the crash, highlighting Crown’s significant contributions to the city through philanthropy and leadership roles on various civic and academic boards. Crown was known for his dedication to investing in Chicago and its people.
Mayor Johnson further stated that Crown embodied the true spirit of Chicago with his generosity, and he appreciated Crown’s collaborative efforts in building a safer city. The mayor extended his heartfelt condolences to Crown’s wife, four children, grandchildren, and the entire Crown family, expressing his prayers for their solace during this difficult time.
CBS Chicago reported that Crown was a member of the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago, a non-profit organization. He had recently joined forces with the Civic Committee to launch an initiative aimed at raising tens of millions of dollars over the next few years. The initiative sought to address Chicago’s crime rate by collaborating with local organizations and leaders. Crown had emphasized that the primary goal was to enhance safety across the entire city.
Just last week, Crown, and his wife attended a state dinner at the White House. President Biden conveyed his condolences in a statement released on Monday, describing Crown as an exemplar of the finest qualities of America—hardworking, compassionate, and always looking out for others. The President referred to Crown as a dear friend, a good man, and a great American.