Crown, the president of Henry Crown and Company, a family-owned investment firm, suffered evident blunt force trauma in a single-vehicle accident at Aspen Motorsports Park in Woody Creek on Sunday, according to the Pitkin County Coroner’s Office. The final cause of death is still pending an investigation. The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office did not respond to requests for comment from USA TODAY.

Crown’s death shocked and saddened his friends, colleagues and admirers, who praised his legacy as a visionary leader, a generous philanthropist and a loyal friend. He was known for his involvement and contributions to various cultural, educational and civic organizations, such as the Art Institute of Chicago, the University of Chicago, the Museum of Science and Industry and the Aspen Institute.

“James Crown was a giant in every sense of the word,” said Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot in a statement. “He was a passionate supporter of countless causes and institutions that enriched the lives of millions. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who loved his family deeply. And he was a mentor to many, including me, and a friend to even more.”

Gov. J.B. Pritzker also issued a statement expressing his condolences to Crown’s family and friends.

“James Crown was a titan of industry, a champion of civic engagement and a generous philanthropist,” Pritzker said. “He dedicated his life to making Chicago and Illinois stronger, more prosperous and more inclusive. He had a big heart and an even bigger vision for the future.”

Dan Porterfield, president and CEO of the Aspen Institute, where Crown served as chairman emeritus, also released a statement honoring his contributions.

“James Crown was an extraordinary leader who cared deeply about the Aspen Institute’s mission to advance values-based leadership and address the most critical challenges facing our society,” Porterfield said. “He was instrumental in shaping the Institute’s strategic direction, expanding its global reach and impact, and strengthening its financial sustainability.”

Crown’s family also issued a statement thanking everyone for their condolences and asking for privacy during this difficult time.

“We are devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved James,” the statement read. “He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend who touched so many lives with his kindness, generosity and wisdom. He was passionate about his work, his hobbies, his community and his family. He lived every day to the fullest and brought joy to everyone around him.”

Crown was born on Jan. 16, 1953, in Chicago, the son of financier Henry Crown and his wife Shirley. He was the grandson of Henry Crown, who founded Material Service Corporation in 1919, a sand, stone and gravel company that grew into one of the largest privately held businesses and land developers in the country.

Crown graduated from Hampshire College in 1976 and earned his law degree from Stanford University in 1980. He joined Henry Crown and Company in 1985 and became its president in 2002. He oversaw the firm’s diverse portfolio of holdings, which include interests in real estate, banking, transportation, energy, sports and entertainment.

Crown served as a director of JPMorgan Chase & Co., General Dynamics Corporation, Sara Lee Corporation and Aspen Skiing Company. He was also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, the Commercial Club of Chicago and the Economic Club of Chicago.

Crown supported various causes and institutions that aligned with his values and interests. He was a longtime trustee and former chairman of the Art Institute of Chicago, where he helped fund the Modern Wing expansion and acquire several artworks. He was also a trustee and former chairman of the University of Chicago, where he helped launch the Harris School of Public Policy and the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice.

Crown was also a trustee and former chairman of the Museum of Science and Industry, where he helped create the Henry Crown Space Center and the James S. Crown Center for Innovation. He was also a trustee and chairman emeritus of the Aspen Institute, where he helped establish the Aspen Strategy Group and the Aspen Ideas Festival.

Crown donated millions of dollars to various organizations that work on education, health care, arts and culture, civic engagement and global affairs, such as Teach for America, City Year Chicago, Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Council on Global Affairs and Brookings Institution.

Crown was an avid sports fan who enjoyed skiing, golfing, sailing and racing. He owned stakes in the Chicago Bulls and New York Yankees and was a regular attendee of their games. He also loved to travel and explore new places with his family and friends.

Crown was respected and admired by his peers and colleagues for his vision, leadership and generosity. He was loved and cherished by his family and friends for his warmth, compassion and wisdom.

Crown’s death is a huge loss for Chicago and the world. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy that will inspire generations to come.

While the world recognized him as an activist, actor, and football star, to his family, he was a loving and remarkable husband, father, and grandfather. The devastating loss leaves their hearts broken and the void created by his departure is immense.

Throughout his illustrious career, Brown achieved numerous remarkable feats. In 2020, he was honored by being selected to the prestigious NFL 100 all-time team. Additionally, he was ranked as the number one player of all time on the College Football 150 list, commemorating the anniversaries of these sports. The Sporting News even hailed him as the greatest football player ever in 2002.

Selected in the first round of the 1957 draft, Brown spent nine remarkable seasons with the Cleveland Browns (1957-1965). During his tenure, he led the league in rushing an astounding eight times, accumulating a total of 12,312 yards and averaging an impressive 5.2 yards per carry throughout his career. Brown’s extraordinary abilities were recognized with Pro Bowl selections every year he played. He led the Browns to three league championship games, securing the title in 1964, and he was named MVP on three occasions.

Remarkably consistent, Brown surpassed the 100-yard rushing mark in an impressive 58 out of his 118 regular-season games, never missing a single match. He achieved over 1,000 rushing yards in seven seasons, including an exceptional 1,527 yards in a 12-game season and a remarkable 1,863 yards in a 14-game season.

Beyond his sporting achievements, Jim Brown dedicated himself to empowering the Black community during the Civil Rights Movement. In 1967, he organized “The Cleveland Summit,” bringing together the nation’s top Black athletes, such as Bill Russell and Lew Alcindor (later known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), to support Muhammad Ali’s stance against serving in Vietnam. Brown continued his impactful work by addressing gang violence in Los Angeles and establishing Amer-I-Can, a program aiding disadvantaged inner-city youth and ex-convicts.

Furthermore, Brown advocated for modern athletes to be actively involved in the Black community, encouraging them to leverage their influence for social initiatives beyond their respective sports. His commitment to social justice made a lasting impact, garnering recognition and respect from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who described Brown as a “gifted athlete” and a trailblazer for athletes’ involvement in social causes.

The news of  Jim Brown’s passing was met with profound sadness across the football community and beyond. The Cleveland Browns released a statement expressing their immeasurable gratitude for the privilege of being a part of his remarkable life and legacy. They mourn his loss while celebrating the enduring light he brought to the world. Their heartfelt condolences go out to Jim’s family, loved ones, and all those whose lives he touched along the way.

Having retired at the peak of his career at the age of 30, Brown pursued his passion for acting and addressed pressing social issues. The impact he made was further acknowledged by the Cleveland Browns, who honored his legacy by retiring his No. 32 jersey and erecting a statue outside First Energy Stadium in 2016.

Jim Brown’s significance extended beyond the realm of football. Current Browns owners, Jimmy and Dee Haslam, referred to him as a true icon for the NFL, recognizing him as one of the greatest players in the league’s history. While many witnessed his dominance on the field, his numerous accomplishments, and lasting impact will forever cement Jim Brown as a legendary figure in both football and the fight for social justice.