How did James Corley die? Dave & Buster's co-founder found with gunshot wound months after stroke
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DALLAS, TEXAS: The co-founder of Dave & Buster's was found dead after apparently suffering a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police have confirmed. James "Buster" Corley, who was 72, died in his home on Monday, January 2. The body of Corley, who helped create the famous "eatertainment" company, was found by Dallas police inside his White Rock Lake home.
According to offcials, Corley was taken to a hospital where he was declared dead. His family has confimed his death to local outlets, The US Sun reported. "Buster Corley had a stroke four months ago that caused severe damage to the communication and personality part of his brain," Corley's daughter Kate Corley said in a statement. "The family asks for privacy during this time."
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Commenting on Corley's death, a representative with Dave & Busters said, "His pioneering spirit and steadfast belief that ‘everybody is somebody’ set the foundation for bringing food and games to millions of Dave & Buster’s guests over the past 40 years," the spokesperson told local outlets. Buster’s passion for hospitality, his demand for excellence, and the deep care he had for his team members were unparalleled. Our hearts go out to his family at this difficult time and while we will miss his wise counsel and his easy laugh, the legacy he and Dave built endures.”
The first Dave & Buster's was opened by Corley in Dallas in 1982, along with his business partner David Corriveau. Together, the duo came up with the concept of a full-service restaurant that has a video arcade to create an "eatertainment" company.
According to Dave and Buster's' webiste, "The two young men headed to "Restaurant Row" in Dallas where they found an empty 40,000 square-foot warehouse. Having been proclaimed certifiably crazy by many in the restaurant industry, Dave and Buster dove headlong into construction. With Dave’s name first because he won a coin toss, they opened the first Dave & Buster’s in December 1982."
Today, there are more than 140 locations. "Each store has more state-of-the-art games than ever, more mouth-watering menu items and the most innovative drinks anywhere. From wings to steaks, we’ve got whatever suits your appetite and our premium bar assures we’re stocked to satisfy! Plus, you can watch your game on one of our massive HDTVs with epic stadium sound," the website says.