INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) - Indianapolis businessman and philanthropist Andre Lacy was killed in motorcycle crash while visiting Southern Africa.
Lacy Diversified Industries issued the following statement:
LDI Ltd., LLC announced the death of its chairman, Andre B. Lacy, today at age 78. Lacy passed away in Botswana in a single-rider accident while on a private motorcycle tour in southern Africa.
"We are saddened to share the news that Andre B. Lacy passed away this morning," said J.A. Lacy, chief executive officer and president of LDI. "Andre was known for his entrepreneurial fire and sense of adventure in business and life. We take comfort knowing that he passed away while pursuing one of his passions in life, and are inspired by the legacy of leadership that he leaves."
Lacy served as Chairman of the Board at Lacy Diversified Industries. Lacy was also a member of the Hulman & Company Board of Directors.
CEO Mark Miles released the following statement on the passing of Lacy:
“Andre’s loss is an incredible shock to everyone. It would be difficult to exaggerate his transformative impact on our city and state, as well as Hulman & Company as a member of our Board of Directors. His success as a business and civic leader was remarkable and impactful beyond measure. But it’s his unfailingly positive personality, extraordinary judgement and wise guidance we’ll miss most. Andre’s positive influence in all aspects of our community will leave a real gap we all must work hard to fill. We extend our condolences to his wonderful family and friends.”
Governor Holcomb also expressed condolences:
Andre Lacy was a business and philanthropic heavyweight with a giant heart for public service. Throughout his life, he gave away his time, talents and wealth to improve Indiana—with a deep focus on building civic engagement. His longtime service as chairman of the Indiana State Fair Commission has been essential to the ongoing success of this state resource. In fact, it is only through his generosity and leadership that Indiana was able to renovate and unveil the Indiana Farmers Coliseum in 2014. Andre’s legacy will live on through this landmark and the many lives he has positively impacted. His passing is a great loss, and Janet and I extend our sincere condolences to the Lacy family.
Vice President Pence and his wife, Karen, commented on the passing of Andre Lacy:
“Karen and I were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a truly great Hoosier, our friend Andre B. Lacy. We offer our deepest condolences and prayers to his family and friends during this difficult time. Andre Lacy dedicated his life to service, and his contributions to the life of this state and nation will benefit Hoosiers for generations to come. Like so many others, I was always inspired by his example of integrity and generosity. Andre Lacy will be greatly missed, but his memory and legacy will never be forgotten.”
In 2016, Lacy donated $25 million dollars to Butler University which named its business school in his honor.
Andre Lacy was 78.