Angela Chao, a prominent figure in the shipping industry and sister-in-law to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, tragically passed away in a car accident at the age of 50, as confirmed by her family. The incident occurred in Texas on Sunday, although details surrounding the accident remain undisclosed. The Blanco County Sheriff’s Office is currently conducting an investigation into the incident, which reportedly took place on private property.
Angela Chao held significant leadership roles as the chair and CEO of Foremost Group, her family’s shipping business, and also served as the president of the Foremost Foundation, her father’s philanthropic organization. Residing in Austin, located approximately 50 miles east of Blanco County, Chao was deeply involved in both business and charitable endeavors. Born into a family of six sisters to immigrant parents from China, she was the youngest among them. Her eldest sister, Elaine Chao, has been notable for her marriage to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and her service as transportation secretary under President Donald Trump and labor secretary under President George W. Bush.
In a poignant family statement, Angela Chao’s father, James S.C. Chao, reflected on the significance of her name in Chinese, which symbolizes peace and prosperity. He lamented her passing, acknowledging the void it has left not only within their family but also in the broader Asian-American community. Following her tragic death, James S.C. Chao assumed the role of chairman of Foremost Group, with Michael Lee, a former president, stepping in as the new president. Angela Chao is survived by her husband, father, and four sisters, leaving behind a legacy that extends beyond her immediate family circle.