Indianapolis philanthropist Lacy dies after motorcycle crash in Botswana
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Philanthropist and civic leader Andre Lacy has died after a crash while on a private motorcycle tour in Botswana, a spokesperson for Lacy Distribution announced on Thursday afternoon.
Lacy was co-chair of the Cultural Trail fundraising committee and was the chairman of the Indiana State Fair Commission until his death.
“We are saddened to share the news that Andre B. Lacy passed away this morning,” said J.A. Lacy, chief executive officer and president of LDI. “Andre was known for his entrepreneurial fire and sense of adventure in business and life. We take comfort knowing that he passed away while pursuing one of his passions in life, and are inspired by the legacy of leadership that he leaves.”
He also served on boards for the United Way of Central Indiana, Indianapolis 500 Festival, Indianapolis Public School Board and the Economic Club of Indianapolis, and he served as an advisor for the Lacy School of Business at Butler University.
Vice President Mike Pence made the following statement regarding Lacy’s passing:
Karen and I were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a truly great Hoosier, our friend Andre B. Lacy. We offer our deepest condolences and prayers to his family and friends during this difficult time. Andre Lacy dedicated his life to service, and his contributions to the life of this state and nation will benefit Hoosiers for generations to come. Like so many others, I was always inspired by his example of integrity and generosity. Andre Lacy will be greatly missed, but his memory and legacy will never be forgotten.”
Gov. Eric Holcomb released the following statement after Lacy’s death:
Andre Lacy was a business and philanthropic heavyweight with a giant heart for public service. Throughout his life, he gave away his time, talents and wealth to improve Indiana-with a deep focus on building civic engagement. His longtime service as chairman of the Indiana State Fair Commission has been essential to the ongoing success of this state resource. In fact, it is only through his generosity and leadership that Indiana was able to renovate and unveil the Indiana Farmers Coliseum in 2014. Andre’s legacy will live on through this landmark and the many lives he has positively impacted. His passing is a great loss, and Janet and I extend our sincere condolences to the Lacy family.”
Purdue President Mitch Daniels, a former Indiana governor, had this to say:
“Indiana lost one of its greatest citizens and countless of us lost a genuinely great friend. He said yes to every civic task he was asked to undertake, and there was never a time that he didn’t use his tremendous talent for good. A state can never have enough people like Andre Lacy.”
Mark Miles, president and CEO of Hulman and Company, expressed his gratitude for what Lacy had done for Indianapolis during his life:
Andre’s loss is an incredible shock to everyone. It would be difficult to exaggerate his transformative impact on our city and state, as well as Hulman & Company as a member of our Board of Directors. His success as a business and civic leader was remarkable and impactful beyond measure. But it’s his unfailingly positive personality, extraordinary judgement and wise guidance we’ll miss most. Andre’s positive influence in all aspects of our community will leave a real gap we all must work hard to fill. We extend our condolences to his wonderful family and friends.”
Kevin Brinegar, Indiana Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, also reflected on Lacy’s passing:
It’s a very sad day for us. Andre was a personal mentor and a dear friend to the Indiana Chamber. During his long service to our organization (beginning in 1984 as a board member) and especially as board chairman in 2008, he always challenged us to keep improving. He emphasized good governance practices and pushed the Indiana Chamber to elevate its public policy efforts to an even higher level. Andre was also instrumental in growing our political action committee through a matching grant program.”
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett issued this statement:
“My heart is heavy to hear of the passing of Andre Lacy. Countless Indianapolis businesses, organizations, and philanthropic endeavors have benefited from Andre’s leadership, yet his legacy is truly defined by the values and principles that he lived by. Because of his integrity, innovation, and generosity, Andre leaves behind an Indianapolis that will be even better for the next generation..
I will be forever grateful to Andre for his incredible career and a life lead in service to others. My prayers are with the entire Lacy family during this trying time.”