Czech Businessman Worth $17B Dies In A Helicopter Crash In Alaska

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Petr Kellner, 56, the Czech Republic’s richest man, has died in an Alaska helicopter crash. The pilot and four other passengers, including Kellner, died in this horrible accident. The helicopter was carrying visitors from a lodge on a heli-skiing trip in Alaska’s backcountry.
Alaska State Troopers stated that all five victims are identified as Petr Kellner, 56, Benjamin Larochaix, 50, Gregory Harms, 52, Sean McMannany, 38, and the pilot, Zachary Russel, 33.

Kellner and Larochaix were both from the Czech Republic. Harms was from Colorado, while McMannany and Russel were Alaskans.

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According to the Forbes 2020 list of the world’s richest people, Petr Kellner was one of the wealthiest people in the world with a net worth of over $17 billion. He owned a 98.93% stake in the PPF Group, an investment company that operates throughout the world. PFF Group is worth $52 billion.

Company spokesperson Mary Ann Pruitt confirmed Kellner’s death and stated that Kellner and Larochaix were loyal and frequent guests at the lodge.

She also mentioned Harms:

“Greg was one of the most experienced guides in the business.”

Mr. Harms founded a ski company that was doing international trips. Sean McMannany was an experienced mountain guide and avalanche instructor. Russel was a pilot for Soloy Helicopters, and his company often carried PFF Group’s personnel from one place to another.

“This news is devastating to our staff, the community in which we operate and the families of the deceased,” a statement released by the lodge said.

A rescue team from Alaska Rescue Coordination Center has found only one survivor on the site. The person is now stable and is being placed in an Alaskan hospital.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash.