Billionaire John Walton (58), son of Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton, was killed in a small plane crash at the Jackson Hole airport in Wyoming shortly after take-off at 12:20p.m. Mountain Standard Time.
The cause of the accident is still unknown.
According to a National Park Service spokesperson in Jackson Hole, Walton had been piloting a one-man ultra-light, experimental aircraft, which means the crash will not be investigated by the NTSB nor the FAA.
Walton acted as director for the more than 5,000 Wal-Mart stores around the world. He was also the chairman of True North Partners, a venture capital firm. He leaves behind his wife and one child.
Article comments
1 - Temple Stark
Let my first typed thought be - this news is disgustingly sad. No father or mother should have to see their daughter or son die first.
Then let my other, more evil thoughts flow along these lines -
-Karma.
-Wonder if this is the life-altering change that makes the "bad man" reform." Like you see in all the movies. Perhaps too late for Mr. Sam's Club to realize the value and quality of life over obscene profit.
-Experimental aircraft - Wal-Mart special only $199.
2 - DrPat
Is Sam Walton still alive?
3 - Temple Stark
Well, I had that impression. But that impression was wrong.
He died in 1992.
One feels one should have known that.
4 - Silas Kain
So, will all the stores close for a day? Perhaps they'll have a special memorial rollback sale.
Now, this experimental aircraft, Temple? Was it assembled by 8 year olds in a Third World country? You just can't get good child labor any more.
5 - gonzo marx
oh my stars and garters...
and you folks say i and a bit harsh
but i digress...
not even going to "touch" the bit about "jackson hole"...that could seem vindictive...too much like pun-ishment
i've just gotta get some sleep...
Excelsior!
6 - Silas Kain
Isn't Jackson Hole where Dick Cheney came from? This is a vast right wing conspiracy. They should appoint a special prosecutor post haste.
7 - M Paulding
John Walton left college to join the U.S. Army's Special Forces (SOG) during the Viet Nam War. He served as a medic, and was awarded the Silver Star.
I don't have much use for WalMart, but John Walton deserves respect.
RIP
8 - clifford
you morons
John was a great man and gave hundreds of millions away so people like you kood get an edookation. keep your silly comments to yourself at a sad time like this.
9 - Nancy
Yeah, whatever may be said against the current Walmart directors (none of them Waltons), the Waltons themselves were 'of the people' and plain, good, unassuming folks. They set a good example of how wealthy Americans SHOULD be.
10 - Marlene Jaeckel
Temple:
Sam Walton passed away in 1992, but the rest of the Walton clan is alive and well.
John Walton is survived by his mother, Helen; two brothers, Rob and Jim; and sister, Alice.
11 - Marlene Jaeckel
There will be no "special memorial rollback sales". When Sam Walton died in '92, it was business as usual.
12 - PseudoErsatz
As the bloke in the back of the church always making wise cracks during the memorial service, milk almost came out of my nose when I read...
"Perhaps they'll have a special memorial rollback sale."
Thanks, Silas, for making my day, in a macabre sort of way.
13 - beadtot
First the book [probably elicited, for the most part], then the erroneous maps trudged into Walgreen's drug stores [sinkholes-become-managed-ponds in northern California's Golden Gate Park labeled as 'lakes']probably as a way to defeat mob influx...then yet more surveillance?... or a divorce suggested and demanded? Paparazzi are not the problem -- those are Italian -- but rather the kindergarten of the mind voting to contact and sway 'the leader'.
14 - lukas
For thos hecklers in the back of the room. Shove it. I knew the man probably better than anyone everwould, and to say the least he was the best person i've come across. he contributed so much of his life to towards better education,philothropic work,and his family.
he deserves respect.
By the way, Dick Cheny moved his ass into JacksonHole and is a blight upon the land. During the election the republican party LOST in J.H. mr Chenys "home town".
15 - Ahearn
John Walton was a very special person who shunned publicity, lkiked wrangler jeans and talked to just about anyone. I worked for his venture capital company and spent a little time with him. He was fair and tried to use his wealth to help people. Alternative energy and cancer research were two of his passions. God be with you sir
16 - Paul
The Walton family is killing the U.S. economy ,with there low labor wages and buying cheap products from over seas every time a person buys from Wal mart they should know that there supporting china and putting American manufacturing out of business I agree with Temple stark its called karma.
17 - Chass
Dude, don't hate. I read up on John Walton, and he seemed to be a pretty cool dude. I don't even think they own wal-mart, I think they sold it out, after Sam Walton died. I think they just own some shares but thats it.
18 - Chass
Paul, some people have no choice but to buy from wal-mart. I am from the middle of no where, and wal-mart is the nearest store. We don't have money to buy gas to drive 2 1/2 hours just to by American things.
19 - SOGDOC
John was respected by his fellow special forces medics and the SOG recon men he risked his own life for as a Viet Nam volunteer. He earned the silver star for valor in combat. He never asked for any special favors as a warrior. He is still a hero in my book.He needs no other epitaph or eulogy than that. Let us honor the dead with words of respect from those who knew and respected him for the man he was rather than with pot shots from those who neither knew or respect him for a "life well lived" RIP Sergeant Walton
20 - Chass
SOGDOC, ya said it all.
21 - snoozle
the Waltons are great people. You cannot blame hiers for what walmart is or has become. RIP John.
22 - bill
I can't believe the irresponsible remarks made about Mr. Walton's death. Class warfare people prove they have little going for them. John seemed to be liked by everyone I in Jackson Hole,WY I have talked to.