The accident is believed to have occurred at an airstrip near the west coast of France on June 19.
Claude Guillemot, one of the five brothers who co-founded Ubisoft in 1986, has died, the company has confirmed. As first reported West FranceGuillemot, 69, was one of two victims involved in the crash of a Cessna 421 plane on the afternoon of June 19. According to the report, local firefighters said the accident occurred in a field near La Baule airport on the west coast of France. Rescue workers said the plane was on fire when they arrived and the fire was spreading to the nearby environment.
“Ubisoft was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Claude Guillemot, co-founder of the group and president of Guillemot Corp., in an accident,” Ubisoft said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. No further statements will be made at this time.”
With his brothers, Guillemot made Ubisoft a major video game publisher headquartered in France and with successful franchises such as Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry under its belt. Guillemot was also chairman and CEO of Guillemot Corp., which owns DJ equipment maker Hercules and gaming peripherals company Thrustmaster. Guillemot also served on the board of directors of Ubisoft, while his brother, Yves, remains a director, president and CEO of Ubisoft.
