This just in:
Wal-Mart Heir John Walton Dies in Crash 33 minutes ago
BENTONVILLE, Ark. - John Walton, the son of Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton and a member of the company's board, died Monday in a plane crash in Wyoming.
ADVERTISEMENT
Walton, 58, was piloting the ultralight that crashed shortly after takeoff from the Jackson Hole Airport in Grand Teton National Park, the company said.
In March, Forbes Magazine listed Walton as No. 11 on its list of the world's richest people, with a net worth of $18.2 billion, tied with his brother Jim Walton.
Walton had been a member of the board of Wal-Mart Stores Inc. since 1992. Company spokeswoman Mona Williams said the company notified its employees worldwide late Monday of his death.
Walton was an Army veteran who served with the Green Berets as a medic during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Silver Star for saving the lives of several members of his unit while under enemy fire, according to the company. He attended the College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio.
Walton is survived by his wife,Christy, and son, Luke; his mother, Helen; two brothers, Rob and Jim; and a sister, Alice.
