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The circumstances surrounding the death of Angela Chao, 50, the CEO of Foremost Group, have raised the suspicions of law enforcement. Chao’s death is currently under "criminal investigation," according to an announcement on Thursday from the Blanco County Sheriff's Office in Texas.

It was after midnight when she was found on February 11th. Her body was pulled out of her Tesla that had gone into a pond on a secluded ranch in Johnson City, Texas, about 40 miles from Austin.

The ranch is owned by a corporate entity connected to Chao’s husband, Austin-based venture capitalist Jim Breyer.

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Criminal Investigation Ongoing

"This incident was not a typical accident," the Blanco County Sheriff's Office wrote in a letter to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.

"Although the preliminary investigation indicated this was an unfortunate accident, the Sheriff's Office is still investigating this accident as a criminal matter until they have sufficient evidence to rule out criminal activity," the letter said.

Although media outlets are requesting reports, 911 logs, audio and video evidence nothing will become public until the criminal probe is completed.

"Releasing the reports, videos and other information prior to the completion of the investigation would interfere with the investigation and possible prosecution of this matter," the sheriff's office detailed.

The letter did not say that there was evidence that Chao died as the result of a crime. But the manner and circumstances are suspicious.

Who was Angela Chao? 

This is a high-profile case. Because Angela Chao is one of the richest women in the world. Her personal net worth is estimated to be $100 million dollars. And that’s before her interest in the Foremost Group which was founded by her mother and father and is valued at 1.2 billion.

Her husband Jim Breyer is also wealthy. And has been estimated to be worth 1.2 billion. He is a co-owner of the National Basketball Association's Boston Celtics, and has served on the boards of Facebook, Walmart, Marvel Entertainment, News Corp. and Dell.

Chao’s sister Elaine has served as secretary of both the U.S. Labor and Transportation departments. And is married to Mitch McConnell the Senate Minority Leader. 

Angela Chao was a Harvard graduate who took the job as CEO of Foremost in 2018. She was previously an international businesswoman. And served on the board of the Bank of China and as Director of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation.

Mitch McConnell Steps Down

Mitch McConnell announced Wednesday that he would be stepping down as the Senate Republican leader.

"This has been a particularly difficult time for my family," he made a statement on the Senate floor. "We tragically lost Elaine's younger sister Angela, just a few weeks ago."

"When you lose a loved one, particularly at a young age, there's a certain introspection that accompanies the grieving process," he added.

Once the probe of Chao's death is complete, "all reports will be released to all requesters," it said.