Angela Chao, CEO of a shipping company and sister-in-law to Mitch McConnell, the former Senate Minority Leader, was involved in a tragic incident last month at a Texas ranch. According to the Blanco County Sheriff’s Office, she was under the influence when her Tesla veered into a lake, resulting in a fatal crash.
Details from a comprehensive 62-page incident report shed light on the events of February 10. Following a night of socializing with friends, Chao inadvertently backed her car into the lake, leading to her entrapment inside the vehicle.
In a distressing turn of events, Chao reached out to a friend for assistance as the water level within the car continued to rise. The report indicates that she even bid farewell as the situation grew dire. Despite frantic efforts by her companions, they were unable to extricate her from the vehicle in time. Ultimately, emergency responders retrieved her lifeless body from the submerged car.
Toxicology results revealed that Chao had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.233, approximately three times the legal limit. According to the Cleveland Clinic, such levels could induce confusion, vomiting, and drowsiness.
The investigation concluded that her death was a tragic accident.
Chao’s passing has garnered significant attention due to her ties to influential figures. She served as the CEO of Foremost Group, a shipping company. She was the sister of Elaine Chao, the former Secretary of Transportation under the Trump administration, who is married to Mitch McConnell. The Republican senator, aged 82, acknowledged his sister-in-law’s demise last month as he announced his intention to step down as GOP leader.
“In recent times, my family has endured a profound loss. We mourn the untimely passing of Angela, Elaine’s younger sister,” he stated. “The loss of a loved one, especially at a young age, prompts deep introspection during the grieving process. Perhaps it serves as a reminder from a higher power to reevaluate our impact in the world, knowing that our time here is finite.”
According to the report, Angela Chao, a Harvard alumna residing in Austin, convened with a circle of friends over the weekend. They reportedly attended a Pitbull concert on Friday, February 9. The subsequent day, the group embarked on a tour of her family’s ranch located in Johnson City.
After a day filled with exploration, the group reconvened for dinner and libations at the guest lodge. By approximately 11:30 p.m., attendees started dispersing to retire to their respective bedrooms or to depart for their homes.
As per the report, footage from the south side camera at 11:37 p.m. depicts Chao walking unsteadily towards her vehicle, maintaining hold of her cell phone in her right hand.
Subsequently, Chao is observed entering her Tesla. The report details that the camera recorded the vehicle jerking towards a wooden barrier, reversing, making a left turn without halting, and ultimately scaling over the limestone block wall before plunging into the water. Within a minute, the lights of the vehicle ceased to be visible.
While in the car, Chao called a friend for help, and other people came to try to rescue her.