How did Kent Taylor die? Tragedy behind Texas Roadhouse CEO's suicide after battling 'severe' Covid-19 symptoms
Kent Taylor, the founder of the restaurant chain Texas Roadhouse has died by suicide after battling severe post-Covid-19 symptoms. His family described how the last few days of Covid 19 came with "unbearable pain" as Kent Tayor battled with the disease head-on. The statement read, "Kent battled and fought hard like the former track champion that he was, but the suffering that greatly intensified in recent days became unbearable."
Taylor — who founded the restaurant chain Texas Roadhouse in 1993 after coming up with it on a cocktail napkin — died at the age of 65 on Thursday, March 18. He headlined last year after giving his salary to help the Covid 19 frontline workers. In a statement sent to CNN, the family wrote, "Our community and the restaurant industry lost a legend and the Taylor family lost a wonderful son, father and grandad, this week."
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How did Kent Taylor die?
Kent Taylor went through severely painful post-coronavirus symptoms, including tinnitus that can cause constant ringing in the ears, and died by suicide Daily Mail reported. Speaking of the horrific pain that caused the CEO of Texas Roadhouse to take such a decision, his family’s statement read, “We are saddened by the decision Kent felt he needed to make and want to emphasize more than ever the importance of reaching out for help if you or someone you love is suffering.”
The statement also added, “Kent leaves an unmatched legacy as a people-first leader, which is why he often said that Texas Roadhouse was a people company that just happened to serve steaks. He changed the lives of hundreds of millions of employees and guests over the past 28 years.”
We will miss you, Kent. Because of you and your dream of Texas Roadhouse, we get to say we ❤ our jobs every day. #WeLoveYouKent #TXRHFamily #RoadhouseStrong pic.twitter.com/GZEkUJspoA
— Texas Roadhouse (@texasroadhouse) March 19, 2021
In a statement from the Board of Directors, the Lead Director Greg Moore wrote, “During the pandemic, he gave up his entire compensation package to help support his frontline workers. This selfless act was no surprise to anyone who knew Kent and his strong belief in servant leadership. He was without a doubt, a people-first leader. His entrepreneurial spirit will live on in the company he built, the projects he supported and the lives he touched.”
Kentucky. Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer mourned the demise of the legend with a tweet that read, “Louisville lost a much loved and one-of-a-kind citizen with Kent Taylor’s passing today. Kent’s kind and generous spirit was his constant driving force whether it was quietly helping a friend or building one of America’s great companies in @texasroadhouse.” and added, “He was a maverick entrepreneur who embodied the values of never giving up and putting others first. My deepest condolences to Kent’s family and many, many friends.”
Louisville lost a much loved and one-of-a-kind citizen with Kent Taylor’s passing today. Kent’s kind and generous spirit was his constant driving force whether it was quietly helping a friend or building one of America’s great companies in @texasroadhouse. 1/2
— Mayor Greg Fischer (@louisvillemayor) March 19, 2021
It is reported that Kent Taylor was alone at the time of his demise. The Kentucky State Police has launched an investigation to check if there was any foul play involved. Authorities have stated that there is no indication of foul play so far.
Taylor is survived by his parents, Powell and Marilyn Taylor; three children; and five grandchildren. Texas Roadhouse spokesman Travis Doster said a small private service is being planned this week.