Former Zappos CEO dies at 46

Tony Hsieh, the retired CEO of Zappos, died on Friday in Bridgeport Hospital in Connecticut. He was 46.

Hsieh succumbed to injuries suffered in a house fire on November 18, in New London, according to Megan Fazio, a spokeswoman from DTP Companies, a Downtown Project in Las Vegas, which Hsieh oversaw.

He was reportedly visiting family at the time in Connecticut, and was surrounded by friends and family when he passed.

"Tony's kindness and generosity touched the lives of everyone around him and forever brightened the world," a DTP Companies statement said. "Delivering happiness was always his mantra, so instead of mourning his transition, we ask you to join us in celebrating his life.”

Hsieh most recently retired from Zappos as chief executive in August after over 20 years with the company. When he joined in 1999, the company was then called ShoeSite.com.

He also cared deeply about revitalizing downtown Las Vegas. In fact, he pledged $350 million in 2013 for redevelopment. The same year, he moved Zappos's headquarters into the former Las Vegas City Hall building.

"The world has lost a tremendous visionary and an incredible human being," the online shoe retailer said in a tribute post on social media. "His spirit will forever be a part of Zappos."

Though Zappos was sold to Amazon for $1.2 billion US in 2009, Hsieh remained with the company until his retirement.

Hsieh's tragic death has resulted in an outpour of other tributes on social media including from Amazon owner Jeff Bezos, Ivanka Trump, Jimmy Kimmel, and more.

Former Zappos CEO dies at 46

See also