Texas police have said the car crash that killed Mitch McConnell’s sister-in-law Angela Chao is under “criminal investigation” but are refusing to release the 911 call and video evidence.
Chao, who was CEO of shipping company Foremost Group, died earlier this month after her car entered a body of water on a private ranch in the state.
Police have now said the 50-year-old man’s death is under “criminal investigation,” according to CNBC.
In a letter to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the Blanco County Sheriff’s Office said: ‘This incident was not a typical accident.
“Although the preliminary investigation indicated this was an unfortunate accident, the Sheriff’s Office is still investigating this accident as a criminal matter until they have sufficient evidence to rule out criminal activity.”
No further details were shared about what type of criminality may have happened to Chao.
Angela Chao, director of the dry bulk shipping company, passed away earlier this month.
Angela Chao (far right) appears in 2015 with her sister, former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao (left), her brother-in-law Mitch McConnell (second from left), now President Joe Biden (center), and her father. James Chao (second from right)
Chao was found dead shortly after midnight on February 11 when her car was pulled from a pond on a ranch in Johnson City, about 40 miles from Austin.
The American Statesman from Austin reported that crews struggled to remove Chao from a vehicle at the ranch for more than an hour.
In a report obtained by the outlet, firefighters said, “Officers were in the water standing over what they believed to be the vehicle, attempting to access the potential victim inside the vehicle.”
Officers remained in the water while crews set up lights to assist in the rescue; A tow truck also arrived to remove the vehicle.
Officials had to use tools to break the vehicle’s windows and remove Chao from the vehicle where he was administered “advanced life support” for 43 minutes.
The ranch where Chao died is owned by a corporate group related to her husband, venture capitalist Jim Breyer, according to the outlet.
Because his death remains the subject of a criminal investigation, the sheriff’s office said 911 records and audio and video evidence could not be released to the media.
The office wrote: “Releasing the reports, videos and other information before the investigation is complete would interfere with the investigation and possible prosecution of this matter.”
The letter also asked the Attorney General for his opinion on whether the records should be kept away from the public.
Chao was found dead shortly after midnight on February 11, after her call was pulled from a pond on a ranch in Johnson City, about 40 miles from Austin, as seen here.
Angela Chao is pictured with her husband Jim Breyer in 2023. Her first husband died during their first year of marriage.
The sheriff’s office had originally said in its statement that: ‘EMS attempted to take emergency measures on Ms. Chao, but she succumbed while under water.
‘Our preliminary has determined that this is an unfortunate accident. The investigation is ongoing at this time.’
Chao’s father, James SC Chao, remembered his youngest daughter as “thoughtful, kind and devoted,” as well as being a much-loved “charismatic and visionary leader.”
He said in a statement: “It is with great regret and profound sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved youngest daughter, Angela Chao.
‘Angela is a brilliant woman, a charismatic and visionary leader and much loved by all her sisters, all our family and friends.
”As a daughter, sister, mother, aunt, wife and friend, she was unfailingly filial, considerate, kind and devoted.’
The family added: ‘As a trailblazer for women in the executive suite, she inspired others to pursue their dreams. She also loved music and tried the French horn as an instrument when she was young, insisting on bringing it herself to every lesson.
‘These early experiences created a passionate, lifelong commitment to the fine arts.
‘Angela’s name in Chinese sounds like the characters for peace and prosperity. Certainly she gave more than her share of both to this world.
Chao was the sister of McConnell’s wife, Elaine Chao, who served as secretary of the Labor and Transportation departments. McConnell and Chao appear here in 1993.
During his tearful speech Wednesday, McConnell mentioned Angela’s passing and said it was tragic.
“His absence leaves a void not only in our hearts, but also in the Asian American community.”
Chao was the sister of McConnell’s wife, Elaine Chao, who served as secretary of the Labor and Transportation departments.
McConnell announced earlier this week that he would step down as Senate Republican leader at the end of this year.
Speaking on the Senate floor, he said: ‘This has been a particularly difficult time for my family. We tragically lost Angela, Elaine’s younger sister, just a few weeks ago.
“When you lose a loved one, especially at a young age, there is a certain introspection that accompanies the grieving process.”
Angela Chao was married to Jim Breyer, who has an estimated net worth of $2.9 billion.
Breyer is a co-owner of the Boston Celtics and previously served on the boards of Facebook, Walmart, Marvel and News Crop. and Dell.
The Chao Family: On the far left is Angela, who died in the car accident. In the back row are her sisters Christine, May and Grace. Sitting next to her father James SC Chao is Elaine Chao. James SC Chao sits next to the portrait of his late wife
Angela Chao is pictured with her first husband, Bruce Wasserstein, who died in 2009, just months after they married.
She was previously married to billionaire banker Bruce Wasserstein, who died in 2009, just months after they married.
The Chao family is the only one in the school’s history to have had four daughters attend Harvard Business School.
Angela completed her bachelor’s degree in economics and graduated summa cum laude in just three years.
She then attended Harvard Business School before joining her father’s company, The Foremost Group, in 1996. Chao became the company’s CEO in 2018.
She was remembered for her “pioneering leadership” and for being a “formidable executive” in the shipping industry.
In June 2016, Chao was also appointed as an independent director of the board of directors of Bank of China.
Angela Chao was co-chair of the founding advisory board of the Asian American Foundation and gave a statement upon the news of his tragic death.
The nonprofit organization said, “The Asian American Foundation is heartbroken to learn of the devastating death of Angela Chao, a beloved businesswoman, philanthropist, and respected leader.”
‘Angela has left an indelible mark on the Asian American Foundation and the AAPI community.