Ubisoft Co-Founder Claude Guillemot Dies in Aviation Incident

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Ubisoft Co-Founder Claude Guillemot Dies in Aviation Incident

Claude Guillemot, a notable persona in the video game sector and one of the five siblings who established Ubisoft in 1986, has tragically passed away in an aviation accident in La Baule-Escoublac, France. The incident, involving a Cessna 421 airplane, took place on June 19, 2023, resulting in the deaths of Guillemot and the unrecognized owner of the aircraft.

As per statements from local officials, the Cessna 421, a twin-engine propeller plane, went down while approaching the La Baule airfield. Observers reported that the aircraft made a turn before plunging into a field. The crash caused a fire that engulfed a large area of vegetation, leading to a substantial emergency response comprising 60 firefighters and 30 ambulances. Despite their attempts, search efforts for a possible third victim proved unsuccessful. Flags at the La Baule airfield were lowered to half-mast to honor the deceased.

At the moment of his death, Claude Guillemot held the position of Chairman and CEO of Guillemot Corporation, which was established in 1985 as a distributor of computing hardware and later branched out into developing gaming and audio accessories. The Guillemot family has retained ownership of Ubisoft since its founding, successfully navigating through difficulties, including a hostile takeover bid and recent organizational restructuring associated with falling sales.

Co-founded by Claude and his siblings, Yves, Michel, Christian, and Gérard, Ubisoft has evolved into a significant force in the gaming world, known for renowned franchises such as Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry. The legacy of the Guillemot brothers persists through their impact on gaming, as Ubisoft continues to be a critical publisher in the international market.

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