The Las Vegas casino hotel industry suffered a major loss last week. A loss that was as tragic as it was sudden and unexpected. It is being reported that Hard Rock Hotel President and Chief Operating Officer, Randy Kwasniewski was found dead in his home on Tuesday morning March 9, 2010. On that morning Metropolitan Police responded to a call at around 9:50 a.m. The call was from an (at the time of the writing of this article) unidentified person claiming someone had suffered a severe gunshot wound. At first the victim was not positively identified as Kwasniewski, but officials at the Hard Rock Casino and Hotel were being notified that afternoon and issuing statements. concerning Mr. Kwasniewski.
The initial statement of “We are extremely saddened by the loss of Randy, and our hearts and prayers go out to the family. We do not know any further details at this time,” were later confirmed when reports surfaced that Mr. Kwasniewski had indeed died from a single self inflicted gunshot wound to the head. This confirmation was released by the Clark County Coroner’s Office.
It is not apparent as to what lead to Mr. Kwasniewski suicide. He had held his position at the Hard Rock Casino and Hotel since early 2007 when Morgans Hotel Group purchased the casino hotel. Mr. Kwasniewski had been instrumental in overseeing an expansion to the Hard Rock that was to add two hotel towers, a larger concert space and more casino space. The cost of the expansion was projected to be close to $750 million.
Several statements have been released since the confirmation of Mr. Kwasniewski untimely death. “He was not just one of my colleagues and a leader of our company, he was my friend,” stated Morgans Hotel Group Chief Executive Officer, Fred Kleisner. Through a statement released through a family friend and attorney Mr. Kwasniewski’s family thanked those who sent love and respects and added, “He was kind, hard working and loyal to his family and friends. We ask that folks respect the family’s privacy.” It’s unfortunate the Las Vegas casino hotel industry lost such a powerful player in such a sudden and tragic way. I’m sure the entire industry will take time to reflect upon the issue.
