Plane crash kills son of Wal-Mart founder

[dutchdemocrat]

Plane crash kills son of Wal-Mart founder
Last Updated Mon, 27 Jun 2005 22:24:37 EDT
CBC News
One of the richest men in the world, John Walton, son of Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton, has died in a plane crash in Wyoming.

John Walton was named by Forbes Magazine in March as No. 11 on its list of the world's richest people. The magazine estimated Walton's wealth at $18.2 billion US. His brother Jim Walton's wealth was also listed at $18.2 billion.


John Walton (AP file photo)
During the Vietman War Walton joined the U.S. Army Green Berets and served as a medic in Vietnam.

"He was awarded the Silver Star for saving the lives of several members of his unit while under intense enemy fire," said a statement on the company's web site announcing his death.

The 58-year-old executive and philanthropist was piloting an ultralight aircraft that crashed shortly after takeoff from the Jackson Hole Airport in Grand Teton National Park, killing him.

Walton had been a member of the board of Wal-Mart Stores Inc. since 1992, the same year his father died.

He is survived by his wife Christy and his son Luke.

http://www.cbc.ca/story/business/national/2005/06/27/johnwalton050627.html

[underseasurveyor]

1. An ultralight shortened John Denver's life too :-(

I feel bad for Luke his son. It's tough losing your dad.