On Thursday, Thomas H. Lee, an esteemed financier and trailblazer in the private equity business, was discovered dead in his New York City office from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was 78 years old.
Lee was not only a successful businessperson of the 1990s, credited with popularizing the leveraged buyout strategy, but was also reputed to be a philanthropist and devoted family man, willing to put the needs of others before his own. This was according to a statement from a family friend and spokesperson, Michael Sitrick.
Lee established Thomas H. Lee Partners in 1974, which has since become one of the biggest private equity firms worldwide. In 1992, he made a remarkable accomplishment when he bought Snapple and sold it two years later for an amazing $1.7 billion.
The passing of Thomas H. Lee is an unfortunate reminder of the significance of mental health and seeking assistance during difficult times.
Despite leading a life full of accomplishment, philanthropy, and love for his family, his death is a sorrowful reminder of what could have been.