Kent Taylor, the founder and CEO of steakhouse chain Texas Roadhouse, survived an initial fight with the deadly coronavirus, but long-term symptoms left by the disease eventually became unbearable for him, his family said.
“After a battle with post-COVID related symptoms, including severe tinnitus, Kent Taylor took his own life this week,” according to a statement Taylor’s family made Friday, the Courier Journal Reported. “Kent battled and fought hard like the former track champion that he was, but the suffering that greatly intensified in recent days became unbearable.”
Taylor, 65, was found on his property near Louisville and law enforcement confirmed that “no foul play was suspected,” according to the Courier-Journal, a Louisville newspaper.
“In true Kent fashion, he always found a silver lining to help others. Most recently, he committed to fund a clinical study to help members of the military who also suffer with tinnitus,” the family said in their statement, reported the Courier-Journal.
What is tinnitus?
According to the Veterans Affairs, “Tinnitus is ringing, buzzing, whistling, or other sounds in the ears without an external source. The condition can disrupt sleep, affect a person’s work and social life, and sharply increase the risk of depression or anxiety.”
The VA said — as of 2018 — nearly 2 million veterans had been diagnosed with tinnitus related to their time in the military.
According to The Washington Post, which cited a November 2020 coronavirus study, 40% of people who already had tinnitus reported that their condition was exacerbated by COVID-19 symptoms.
Reaction
In a press release, Texas Roadhouse said Taylor had a “strong belief in servant leadership” and gave up his salary, “a nearly $1 million bonus” and a $5 million donation to “help support his front-line workers,” The Washington Post reported.
“Kent Taylor didn’t fit the mold of a big-time CEO. He liked it that way. Kent built a billion-dollar company with creativity, grit and a lot of bold risks,” said Kentucky Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell in a statement. “When they paid off — which they almost always seemed to — he gladly shared the results.”