Obituaries
Hinsdale-Native Businessman Killed in Bike/Car Crash
Kevin Flynn, born in Hinsdale and known as a central figure in the late-90's Rosemont casino efforts, died Monday in southwest Michigan.
Hinsdale native and prominent Chicago businessman Kevin Flynn, 46, was killed on Monday when he was struck by a car while biking near his vacation home in southern Michigan.
According to the Daily Herald, Flynn was riding alone near Harbert, Mich. at around 5:00 p.m. Monday when he was struck from behind by a car driven by a 67-year-old woman; a steady rain was falling at the time, the Chicago Tribune said.
His wife Susan told the Chicago Sun-Times that “it was probably a perfect day for him until the end… He put his children and his family first in his heart always. He was 27 years sober, yet he partied with some very active and lively drinkers. He was fun to hang out with and always on the go, full of life.”
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Flynn was the chairman and CEO of investment holding company Emerald Ventures, Inc., and served on the board of auto-parts business LKQ Corp., according to Crain’s Chicago Business.
"We are shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden death of our colleague," said Robert Wagman, LKQ president and CEO, in a statement. "Kevin was a valued member of the board of directors and he will be sorely missed."
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Flynn was born in Hinsdale in 1967 to Donald F. and Beverly Flynn. He graduated from Marquette University and is survived by his wife, four children, his mother, a brother and six nieces.
According to multiple sources, Emerald was well-known for its late-1990s attempt to build a casino in Rosemont, which was thwarted $25 million later by the Illinois Gaming Board, who claimed that Emerald had deceived regulators and used construction companies with mob ties—accusations Flynn “vehemently denied,” Crain’s said.
“He was a tough guy. The venture business isn't for the faint of heart, but he liked the deal and the art of the deal,” his friend, marketing executive Tim Ryan, told Crain’s.
Flynn was also the owner of Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City, Ind., the NWI Times said, which he sold in 1999. He also was a former investor in the Chicago Sun-Times.
Read more at the Daily Herald, Chicago Tribune, Sun-Times, Crain’s and the NWI Times websites.
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