German billionaire businessman Adolf Merckle committed suicide in the wake of mounting debt in the wake of an ongoing global economic crisis. According to reports, the 74-year-old Merckle died after being struck by a train near his home in Blaubeuren, Germany on January 5, 2009.Times Online: German tycoon, Adolf Merckle...commits suicide Bloomberg.com: 'Broken' Billionaire Merckle Killed Self, Family Says
Statement from Merckle Family
"Adolf Merckle lived and worked for his family and his firms. The distress to his firms caused by the financial crisis and the related uncertainties of recent weeks, along with the helplessness of no longer being able to act, broke the passionate family businessman, and he ended his life."Times Online: German tycoon, Adolf Merckle...commits suicide
Quote
"His empire was falling apart. This was his last desperate act."—Stefan Mueller, managing partner, Proprietary Partners AG in Frankfurt, GermanyBloomberg.com: 'Broken' Billionaire Merckle Killed Self, Family Says
References
Fast Facts
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Born
March 18, 1934
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Died
January 5, 2009
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Occupation
Lawyer and businessman
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Reports say Merckle's investment company was renegotiating its bank debt at the time of his suicideBloomberg.com: Billionaire Merckle Killed by Train... (January 6, 2009)
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