Another economy victim — Adolf Merckle

The 94th richest person in the world, Adolf Merckle, allegedly committed suicide on January 5, 2009 by throwing himself in front of a speeding train in Ulm, Germany.  The note he left behind stated, “I am sorry.”

According to a news release issued by his family, “The financial troubles of his companies, induced by the international financial crisis and the uncertainty and powerlessness to act independently which the financial problems brought about, broke the passionate family business man, and he took his own life.”

See CNN, German billionaire kills self, family says, CNN.com, Jan. 6, 2009 and Roger Boyes, Adolf Merckle, the penny-pinching billionaire, The Times, Jan. 8, 2009.

Special thanks to Adam J. Hirsch (William and Catherine VanDercreek Professor of Law, Florida State University College of Law) for bringing this development to my attention.