ATLANTA, GA — One of the four people who were killed in a northwest Atlanta plane crash was a well-known Chinese businessman who had previously set a record as the first Chinese businessman to fly around the world. While the FAA has not released the names of the four victims, the University of Memphis, where Wei Chen graduated, issued a statement expressing their sorrow.
“The University of Memphis is deeply saddened by the tragic death of Wei Chen, a University of Memphis alum and supporter who served on several University boards including the Alumni Association National Executive Board of Directors,” the school said. “This is a tremendous loss not only for the UofM but the entire City of Memphis. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this solemn time.”
Initial reports were that three people were killed early Thursday afternoon when the small plane crashed in the area of Bolton Road near English Park and Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway. That figure has now been revised to four dead. Atlanta Fire Rescue officials spent much of the early afternoon extinguishing hot spots around the crash, as well as checking the surrounding neighborhood for injuries.
The Federal Aviation Administration database showed the Cessna Citation V jet registered to Chen Aviation based in Memphis, TN, according to Fox5 Atlanta. Officials in Tennessee also said the jet belonged to Chen, founder and CEO of Sunshine Enterprises, which employs more than 400 people in Memphis. Chen also completed an around-the-world flight in 70 days for charity. He also wrote a book about his adventure called “Around The World in 69 Days: What Would You Attempt To Do If You Knew You Could Not Fail?” The book is available here on Amazon.
Chen’s Amazon biography reads:
“Mr. Wei Chen is a pilot, author and self-made entrepreneur. Mr. Chen was born and raised in People’s Republic of China and came to the U.S. at the age of 24. After earning his International MBA degree with the full scholarship at the University of Memphis, he started a trading company by leveraging credit card debt and has achieved significant success in the distribution business. He is a member of Young President’s Organization and serves as a board member for various non-profit organizations.
“Mr. Chen started learning to fly and earned his private pilot license in 2007. Four years later, he became the FIRST Chinese citizen to fly a single engine airplane around the world. This historic flight also marked the first single engine airplane landing at Beijing Capital International Airport and the first Fly-Around-The-World trip across China restricted airspace.”
According to the company’s website, Sunshine Enterprises was founded in 1998 and focuses on the wholesale and distribution of Chinese construction and industrial equipment throughout North America. Headquartered in Memphis, the company also has offices in Atlanta, New York, Los Angeles and Houston.
Chen’s death prompted several social media tributes:
Wei Chen died in a plane crash Thursday. When I met him he had just finished a flight around the world in a single engine plane. He wore a t-shirt saying I am Memphis. He honored Memphis. I honor him. R.I.P. Wei Chen. — Dr. Rosie P Bingham (@TigerBingham) December 21, 2018
Bob and I express our deep sympathy to the family, friends, and employees if Wei Chen. We pray for his UofM friends, too. God comfort all. Shirley Raines and Bob Canady — Shirley Raines (@sraines0445) December 21, 2018
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Image Atlanta Fire Rescue