Online shoe retailer Zappos retired CEO Tony Hesih dies at 46

Hesih was injured in a house fire while visiting Connecticut, Hesih’s lawyer Pui Premsrut told news agencies. Additional details were not immediately released. The official cause of death has not been announced.

“Tony’s kindness and erudition touched the lives of everyone around him and made the world brighter forever,” the DTP companies statement said. “Providing happiness is always his mantra, so instead of mourning his transformation, we ask you to join us in celebrating his life.”

Hsieh recently took over the leadership of the company after 20 years from Zapos. Online shoe retailer Shared the tribute on social media At the end of Friday.

“The world has lost tremendous foresight and unbelievable humanity,” the statement said. “His spirit will always be a part of Zapos.”

Hsieh is a Harvard University graduate who joined the organization – then known as shoeshite.com – in 1999.

Over the years, he has also worked to revitalize the downtown Las Vegas, pledging $ 350 million in 2013 for redevelopment. That same year, he moved Zapos’ headquarters into the former Las Vegas City Hall building.

“Tony Hesy played a key role in transforming downtown Las Vegas,” Nevada government Steve Sissolak tweeted Friday night. “Kathy and I send our love and condolences to Tony’s family and friends during this difficult time.”

Tributes were paid on social media as news of Hsih’s death spread.

“Tony Hsih may be the most original thinker I have ever befriended,” tweeted former venture investor Chris Sacka. “He questioned every umption Hanu and shared everything he learned. He really enjoyed making anyone and everyone happy.”

Skateboarder and founder Tony Hawk said, “Tony Hsih is a visionary who is generous with his time and ready to share his invaluable skills with anyone.”

Max Levchin, a software engineer and entrepreneur, tweeted, “A true thinker, a brilliant entrepreneur and a kind and generous friend to many.”