SINGAPORE : Kerzner International Holdings's Chief Executive
Officer, Howard "Butch" Kerzner, has died in a helicopter
crash.
He was among four people killed when the helicopter they were
travelling in crashed into a building on the Dominican Republic's
north coast on Wednesday.
The 42-year-old hotel tycoon was believed to be surveying potential
development sites when the helicopter crashed.
He's survived by his wife and two young children.
The company says it mourns this tragic loss.
Kerzner International Holdings is one of the bidders for the
Sentosa integrated resort project in Singapore.
In a statement, the company says it is still fully committed to
continuing its bid.
Its partner, local property developer, CapitaLand, has also pledged
its full commitment to continuing with the bid.
Paul O'Neil, former CEO of the company's largest operation in the
Bahamas and a current Board member, has been appointed as acting
CEO of Kerzner International Holdings, with immediate effect.
Meanwhile, Butch Kerzner's father, Sol Kerzner - a South African
casino tycoon who is chairman of Kerzner International's board, is
en route to the Dominican Republic.
Kerzner International operates casinos in various countries
including Dubai, the Maldives, Mexico and Mauritius as well as the
Bahamas' Atlantis resort.
A commission is investigating the cause of the accident. -
CNA/ch