Petr Kellner, the richest man in Czech Republic, has died in a helicopter crash in the Alaskan wilderness.
According to reports, Kellner, with five other persons (including the pilot) were on board the chopper which went down on Saturday during a backcountry heli-skiing trip.
The investment tycoon and four others were confirmed dead by the Alaska State Troopers.
According to the statement released by the state troopers, the chopper was an Airbus AS350B3 owned by Soloy Helicopters of Wasilla, Alaska.
The statement also disclosed that the incident happened in Alaskan mountains, adding that one survivor was found, who is currently receiving medical care at an Anchorage Area Hospital.
PPF Group, a Czech investment company that Kellner co-founder, confirmed the demise of the billionaire on Monday.
The company described him as an incredible individual whose creativity and work ehnic is top notch. The company, described his demise as a great loss.
Similarly, Czech Prime Minister, Andrej Babis, took to his official Twitter handle to mourn the demise of the country’s richest man.
He tweeted, “It is an unbelievable tragedy. I am very sorry, my deepest condolences to the family of Petr Kellner.”
Kellner, 56, co-founded the PPF company in 1991 to participate in the privatization of the Czech economy during that period.
Since 1991, the PPF company has expanded into Finance, telecommunications, manufacturing, media and biotech sectors.
According to the 2020 Forbes’ World Richest list, Kellner was the Czech Republic’s richest person, with an estimated wealth of $17.5billion.
Kellner is also known for his philanthropic efforts through the Kellner Family Foundation, which he established with his wife, Renata.
