Thai Billionaire and founder of the ubiquitous energy drink Red Bull, Chaleo Yoovidhya , died of natural causes about two weeks ago in Bankok, Thailand. He was reportedly in his 80’s at the time of his death. Not bad for a guy who likely drank more Red Bull than most.
As a huge fan/consumer/former employee of Red Bull and I would like to thank Mr. Yoovidhya and his business partner Austrian Dietrich Mateschitz for all they have done for the action sports world. There are dozens upon dozens of huge events every year worldwide that are paid for by Red Bull with little to no direct payback. Events like the Air Race, Cold Rush, Flugtag and Soap Box Derby have entertain hundreds of thousands of people and given talented people a place to show off their skills.
Red Bull has supported many of our top action sports stars like Shane McConkey, Tanner Hall, Simon Dumont and Travis Pastrana in ways that no other sponsor does. These athletes may not have been able to reached the heights that they have without the financial support and overall vison of Red Bull.
Thanks you once again Red Bull for the Energy and for the Show!