Angela Chao, Business Executive and Sister-in-Law of Mitch McConnell, Dead in Car Accident at Age 50

"As a daughter, sister, mother, aunt, wife and friend, she was unfailingly filial, thoughtful, kind and devoted," her father said in a statement

Angela Chao, a business executive and sister-in-law of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, died this week following a car accident, her family announced in a statement. She was 50.

Chao was the CEO of dry bulk shipping company Foremost Group, a company founded by her father, Dr. James S.C. Chao, along with her mother, the late Ruth Mulan Chu Chao, in 1964. Her older sister, former Labor Secretary Elaine Chao, is married to McConnell.

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In a statement on behalf of the Chao family, her father, James, called Angela "a brilliant woman, a charismatic and visionary leader and much-loved by all her sisters, our entire family and friends."

"As a daughter, sister, mother, aunt, wife and friend, she was unfailingly filial, thoughtful, kind and devoted," her father said. "These qualities were complemented by a spirited personality, exceptional intelligence, compassion for all and a wonderful sense of humor. She kept us laughing and smiling. She believed deeply that the true treasures in life are family, friends and helping others. Losing her at such a young age is something we never even imagined, and our entire family is devastated with grief."

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Calling his daughter, "academically gifted," and "hard-working," Dr. Chao said Angela "possessed strong core values during her entire life." As a child, he said in the statement, she expressed such an interest in the shipping industry that she accompanied him to the office on “Take Your Daughter to Work” days.

"We were so proud that she graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in economics from Harvard College in just three years. While attending Harvard Business School, she used her enthusiasm and knowledge of shipping to write a ground-breaking case study on 'Ocean Carriers' that to this day is part of the required curriculum for first year HBS students," he added.

His daughter, James added, was "a trail blazer for women in the executive suite" who "inspired others to pursue their dreams."

“Angela’s name in Chinese sounds like the characters for peace and prosperity. She certainly gave more than her share of both to this world," the statement continued. "Her absence leaves a void not only in our hearts, but in the Asian-American community."

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In a statement published by Marine Link, Chao's company Foremost Group described her as "a formidable executive and shipping industry leader, as well as a proud and loving daughter, sister, aunt, wife and mother."

“Building on the legacy of honor, integrity and performance established by her father and our company's founder, Dr. James S.C. Chao, she made exceptional customer service, efficiency, and superior performance the hallmarks of her leadership," the statement added. She was also a passionate advocate for incorporating environmentally sustainable practices throughout the company’s operations."

The statement continued: “She will be greatly missed and leaves a legacy of pioneering leadership- especially for women — in shipping, philanthropy and the arts."

Angela's elder sister, Elaine, served as the U.S. Secretary of Labor in the George W. Bush administration and as the Secretary of Transportation in Donald Trump’s cabinet, from 2017 to 2021.

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Elaine, 70, is married to McConnell, the Senate minority leader from Kentucky who made headlines in recent months when he suddenly stopped speaking and stared forward for several seconds during press conferences.

In the first incident, which took place in July, 81-year-old McConnell's colleagues surrounded him after he froze, asking if he wanted to go back to his office. The minority leader turned away from the podium and stood nearby while others took the microphone.

A month later, the Republican froze when a reporter asked him whether he intends to run for reelection in 2026. An aide came to his side to repeat the question before telling reporters he needed a moment.

In a letter dated Sept. 5, Dr. Brian Monaghan, the attending physician of U.S. Congress, wrote that there is "no evidence" that the Senate minority leader was having either a seizure or a stroke during the episodes.

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