Company mourns passing of 'extraordinary leader'
The CEO of a tech company died after falling from a 15-feet height during a company event in India, according to reports.
Vistex CEO Sanjay Shah and Vistex president Vishwanath Raju Datla were part of an aerial show during the company's silver jubilee celebrations on Thursday, The Times of India reported.
They were both being hoisted in mid-air in an iron cage at Ramoji Film City when one of the chains holding the contraption collapsed, sending Chicago-based Shah plunging to his death in front of his employees.
Shah sustained injuries to his leg and hand, and passed away at the hospital, CBS reported.
Raju Datla remains in the hospital and was in critical condition as of Saturday night, The Times of India reported.
The police told the Times that it is currently investigating if there was negligence on side of the organisers.
A Vistex director had already reportedly filed a complaint to the police, alleging the lack of ambulance facility and the lack of safety precautions at the venue.
'Extraordinary leader'
Vistex expressed its condolences to Shah's family in a statement announcing his death on Monday.
"Sanjay Shah was an extraordinary leader whose presence permeated the working life of every associate and colleague at Vistex," the company said in a media release. "His leadership and presence were truly unique; Sanjay will be sorely missed by all."
Vistex said further details over the incident will be communicated after the end of the mourning period.
Shah, who founded Vistex in 1999, has been described by the company as an "impassioned lifelong learner" who donated $5 million to Lehigh University for the establishment of Vistex Institute for Executive Learning and Research.
He also founded the Vistex Foundation, which provides grants to non-profits focusing on health, education, and basic needs programming, as well as the Vistex Endeavor, a charity that encourages company-wide volunteerism.
