(Newswire.net-- July 5, 2018) -- The chairman of the Chinese HNA Group, one of the largest companies that own big stakes in Hilton hotels and the Deutsche Bank, has died in France while posing for a photograph.
The HNA Group Chairman Wang Jian suffered a 50 foot fall and died of resulting injuries, Reuters reports.
Wang Jian and his wife visited the popular tourist village of Bonnieux, near Avignon in the French south-east on Tuesday. The tragedy happened after Wang approached a drop ledge to pose for a photo his wife was preparing to make.
According to police lieutenant-colonel Hubert Meriaux the death was an accident.
“He stood on the edge of a sharp drop to get his family to take a picture of him and fell,” Meriaux told Reuters. The 50 foot drop ends with sharp rocks and no one could survive the fall.
Another officer told South China Morning Post that an autopsy of Wang’s body has been carried out and has revealed “nothing suspicious.” It is unclear however if his wife commanded Wang to “get a bit further” while setting up the photo, or if the businessman decided to step on the edge of the drop in pursuit for “better” photo on his own.
In honor of its ill-fated chairman the HNA Group switched its official website to monochrome and posted a statement mourning Wang’s death.
“HNA Group extends deepest condolences to Mr. Wang's family and many friends. Together, we mourn the loss of an exceptionally gifted leader and role model, whose vision and values will continue to be a beacon for all who had the good fortune to know him, as well as for the many others whose lives he touched through his work and philanthropy,” the statement reads.
The 57-year-old businessman was considered a driving force of the group that is worth more than $203 billion in assets. Among other businesses, the conglomerate owns Hainan Airlines, golf courses and up to 25% in Hilton hotel group and Deutsche Bank shares worth around $40 billion.
A financial report in April revealed, however, that HNA’s debts have reached $94 billion. In recent months, the Group has been forced to sell an office tower in Minneapolis, Minnesota for $320 million, and $726 million worth in shares of Spain’s NH Hotel Group.
According to Reuters, Wang was considered to be a leader of “reactionary forces” by Western media referring to his harsh criticism of the Chinese Communist Party and President Xi Jingpin.
Wang was one of 12 stockholders of the HNA Group. His percentage will be split between the New York and Hainan branches of the Hainan Cihang Charity Foundation, according to the pledge all stakeholders were obligated to sign.
