Aspen Skiing Co. Managing Partner Jim Crown Dies In Accident

James "Jim" Crown, the 70-year-old managing partner of Aspen Skiing Co., died Sunday in a single-vehicle crash at Aspen Motorsports Park.

The crash occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m. MT. Crown was driving a 2023 Corvette Z06 when he lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a barrier. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Crown family spokesperson Jacob Crows released the following statement on the family’s behalf:

“The Crown family is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Jim Crown in an accident earlier today. The family requests that their privacy be respected at this difficult time. Further details regarding plans for a memorial to remember Jim’s remarkable life will be released at a later date.”

Crown was a member of the billionaire Crown family, which owns Aspen Skiing Co. He was also the chairman and CEO of Henry Crown and Company, a private investment firm.

Crown joined Aspen Skiing Co. in 1985 and was appointed managing partner in 2002. He was a passionate skier and outdoorsman, and he was a longtime advocate for environmental conservation. Under Crown's leadership, Aspen Skiing Co. became one of the most successful ski resorts in the world. He oversaw the expansion of the company's operations, including the acquisition of several other ski resorts. He also helped to develop Aspen Skiing Co.'s sustainability initiatives.

"Jim was a visionary leader who made a significant impact on the lives of so many people," said Aspen Skiing Co. CEO Mike Kaplan. "He was a passionate advocate for the outdoors and for Aspen, and he will be deeply missed."

Crown is survived by his wife, Leslie, and their two children.

Crown was a passionate skier and outdoorsman. He was a longtime trustee of The Aspen Institute and was a member of the Aspen Skiing Co. board of directors.

"Jim was a beloved member of our community and a true visionary," said Aspen Skiing Co. CEO Mike Kaplan. "His passion for Aspen and the mountains was unmatched. He will be deeply missed."

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Crown's death is a great loss to the Aspen community and to the world of business. He was a visionary leader who made a significant impact on the lives of so many people. He will be deeply missed.

In addition to the information above, here are some other details about Crown's life and career:

• He was born in Chicago in 1953.
• He graduated from Yale University and Harvard Business School.
• He began his career at Henry Crown and Company in 1977.
• He was appointed managing partner of Aspen Skiing Co. in 2002.
• He was a member of the board of directors of several companies, including General Dynamics, Sara Lee, and JPMorgan Chase.
• He was a passionate advocate for environmental conservation.
• He donated millions of dollars to various charitable organizations.

Crown's death is a great loss to the Aspen community and to the world. He was a visionary leader who made a significant impact on the lives of so many people. He will be deeply missed.