The sudden passing of Angela Chao, CEO of Foremost Group and sister-in-law to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, is currently under a "criminal investigation," according to a statement from the Blanco County Sheriff's Office on Thursday.
Chao, aged 50, was discovered deceased shortly after midnight on February 11, following an incident where her car veered into a pond on a private ranch near Johnson City, Texas, approximately 40 miles from Austin.
"This incident was not merely an accident," the Blanco County Sheriff's Office communicated in a letter to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. "While initial findings suggested an unfortunate mishap, our office is treating this as a criminal investigation until sufficient evidence rules out foul play."
Due to the ongoing criminal investigation, the sheriff's office has refrained from releasing reports, 911 logs, and any associated media, citing concerns that premature disclosure could impede the investigation and potential prosecution.
Although the letter did not explicitly state evidence of criminality in Chao's demise, the acknowledgment that her death was not "a typical accident" signals a significant departure from initial assessments.
The ranch where the incident occurred is linked to Chao's spouse, venture capitalist Jim Breyer, who holds office in Austin.
Angela Chao, sister to McConnell's wife Elaine Chao, was a distinguished figure, holding a CEO position at Foremost Group since 2018. She boasted an impressive academic background with degrees from Harvard University and had notable roles in esteemed organizations such as the Bank of China and China State Shipbuilding Corporation.
In light of McConnell's recent announcement of stepping down from his Senate leadership position, he also addressed the tragic loss of Angela Chao, reflecting on the challenges faced by his family in coping with her untimely passing.
The circumstances surrounding Angela Chao's demise continue to unravel, prompting a keen public interest in the investigation's outcome. As the investigation progresses, updates will be made available to the public and media outlets.
