The family of Texas Roadhouse co-founder and CEO, Kent Taylor said he died by suicide after suffering “unbearable” COVID-19 symptoms.
In a statement to McClatchy News, Texas Roadhouse and Taylor’s family said he experienced “severe tinnitus” and other symptoms after he was infected with COVID.
“Kent battled and fought hard like the former track champion that he was, but the suffering that greatly intensified in recent days became unbearable,” his family said. “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 family added.
Taylor had funded a clinical study to help members of the military suffering with tinnitus, the statement said.
The restaurant chain also confirmed Taylor’s death in a Facebook post, writing: “We will miss you, Kent. Because of you and your dream of Texas Roadhouse, we get to say we [love] our jobs every day.”
Last year, Taylor gave up his bonus and base salary to pay his workers and donated funds to assist frontline restaurant employees during the pandemic.
“This selfless act was no surprise to anyone who knew Kent and his strong belief in servant leadership,” Greg Moore, lead director, said in the company’s statement. “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.”
Kent was 65-years-old.