LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) – Kent Taylor, founder and CEO of restaurant chain Texas Roadhouse, has passed away. He was 65. His family and company say he took his own life after suffering from symptoms associated with COVID-19, including severe tinnitus.
Taylor’s family and the company confirmed his death in a statement on Sunday.
Tinnitus is a common condition that involves ringing or other sounds in one or both ears. Experts believe that the coronavirus can exacerbate problems with tinnitus.
“Kent fought and fought hard like the former track champion he was, but the suffering that has increased sharply in recent days has become unbearable,” the statement read.
Ron Bath / Texas Roadhouse via AP The 65-year-old man had severe tinnitus, which according to experts could be exacerbated by the coronavirus.
Taylor recently pledged to fund a clinical trial to help military members suffering from tinnitus, the statement said.
“Kent leaves an unparalleled legacy as a nation-first leader, which is why he often said that Texas Roadhouse was a people’s business that happened to serve steaks,” the statement said.
Taylor opened the first Texas Roadhouse restaurant in 1993 in Clarksville, Indiana, and came up with the idea on a cocktail napkin. The company currently has 610 restaurants in 49 states and 10 other countries. Texas Roadhouse is in Taylor’s hometown, Louisville, Kentucky.
“Kent’s friendly and generous spirit has been his constant driving force, whether it’s a friend helping a friend or building one of America’s big companies in @texasroadhouse,” said Greg Fischer, Mayor of Louisville, said on Twitter. “He was a great entrepreneur who embodied the values of never giving up and putting others first.”
Taylor, who died Thursday, is survived by his parents, Powell and Marilyn Taylor; three children and five grandchildren. Texas Roadhouse spokeswoman Travis Doster said a small private service is being planned this week.
If you or someone you know needs help, call 1-800-273-8255 for the National lifeline for suicide prevention. You can also HOME to 741-741 free SMS, 24 hour support from the Crisis Text Line. Outside the US, please visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention for a database of resources.
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