Texas police have said the car crash that killed Mitch McConnell’s sister-in-law Angela Chao is under a “criminal investigation” but are refusing to release the 911 call and video evidence.
Chao, CEO of shipping company Foremost Group, died earlier this month after her car fell into water on a private ranch in the state.
Police have now said the 50-year-old’s death is under ‘criminal investigation’ 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 determined 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 the type of crime that happened to Chao.
Angela Chao, head of the dry bulk shipping company, died earlier this month
Angela Chao (far right) is pictured in 2015 with her sister, former Secretary of Transportation 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 farm in Johnson City, about 40 miles from Austin.
The Austin American-Statesman reported that teams fought for more than an hour to pull Chao from a vehicle at the ranch.
In a report obtained by the fire department, fire officials said, “The officers were in the water and stood on what they believed to be the vehicle in an attempt to gain access to the possible victim inside the vehicle.”
Officers remained in the water while the crew turned on lights to assist the rescue. A tow truck was also called in to pull the vehicle out.
Officials had to use tools to break the vehicle’s windows and pull Chao from the vehicle, where they provided “advanced life support” for 43 minutes.
The ranch where Chao died is owned by a business group with ties to her husband, venture capitalist Jim Breyer, the outlet reported.
Because her death remained the subject of a criminal investigation, the sheriff’s office said 911 logs, audio and video evidence could not be released to the media.
The agency wrote, “Releasing the reports, videos and other information prior to the conclusion of the investigation would hinder the investigation and potential prosecution of this case.”
The letter also asked the attorney general for his opinion on whether data should be kept from the public.
Chao was found dead shortly after midnight on February 11 after her call was withdrawn from a pond on a ranch in Johnson City, about 40 miles from Austin, 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 originally said in their statement, “EMS attempted emergency response to Ms. Chao, but she succumbed due to being underwater.
“Our preliminary investigation has determined that this is an unfortunate accident. The investigation is still ongoing at this time.’
Chao’s father, James SC Chao, remembered his youngest daughter as “thoughtful, kind and dedicated” and as a beloved “charismatic and visionary leader.”
He said in a statement: “It is with a heavy heart and deep 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, our entire family and friends.
“As a daughter, sister, mother, aunt, wife and friend, she was unfailingly childlike, thoughtful, kind and devoted.”
The family added: “As a pioneer for women in the executive suite, she inspired others to pursue their dreams. She also loved music and tried the horn as her instrument when she was young, insisting on carrying it herself to every lesson.
‘These early experiences created a lifelong, passionate commitment to the visual arts.
‘Angela’s name in Chinese sounds like the characters for peace and prosperity. She has certainly given more than her fair share of both to this world.
Chao was the sister of McConnell’s wife, Elaine Chao, who served as secretary of both the Labor and Transportation departments. McConnell and Chao are seen here in 1993
During his tearful speech on Wednesday, McConnell brought up Angela’s death, saying it was tragic
“Her absence leaves a void not only in our hearts, but in the Asian American community.”
Chao was the sister of McConnell’s wife, Elaine Chao, who served as secretary of both the Labor and Transportation departments.
McConnell announced earlier this week that he would resign as Republican leader in the Senate later this year.
Speaking in the Senate, he said: ‘This has been an extremely difficult time for my family. A few weeks ago we tragically lost Elaine’s younger sister Angela.
‘When you lose a loved one, especially at a young age, there is a certain introspection that comes with the grieving process.’
Angela Chao was married to Jim Breyer, who has an estimated net worth of $2.9 billion.
Breyer is 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 their wedding
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 in just three years and graduated summa cum laude.
She then attended Harvard Business School before taking over 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 Bank of China’s board of directors.
Angela Chao co-chaired the advisory board of the Asian American Foundation, which issued a statement on the news of her tragic death.
The nonprofit 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.