INDIANAPOLIS – Andre Lacy, a well-known Indianapolis businessman and philanthropist died following a motorcycle crash in Africa.
Lacy, 78, and the chairman of Hoosier company LDI, was known for serving on the Indiana State Fair Commission, as he helped investigate the deadly stage collapse in 2011.
“We are saddened to share the news that Andre B. Lacy passed away this morning,” said J.A. Lacy, chief executive officer and president of LDI. “Andre was known for his entrepreneurial fire and sense of adventure in business and life. We take comfort knowing that he passed away while pursuing one of his passions in life, and are inspired by the legacy of leadership that he leaves.”
He also donated $25 million to Butler University's business school named Andre B. Lacy School of Business.
Several Indianapolis individuals and groups released statements on his death Thursday:
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence
“Karen and I were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a truly great Hoosier, our friend Andre B. Lacy. We offer our deepest condolences and prayers to his family and friends during this difficult time. Andre Lacy dedicated his life to service, and his contributions to the life of this state and nation will benefit Hoosiers for generations to come. Like so many others, I was always inspired by his example of integrity and generosity. Andre Lacy will be greatly missed, but his memory and legacy will never be forgotten.”
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb
Andre Lacy was a business and philanthropic heavyweight with a giant heart for public service. Throughout his life, he gave away his time, talents and wealth to improve Indiana—with a deep focus on building civic engagement. His longtime service as chairman of the Indiana State Fair Commission has been essential to the ongoing success of this state resource. In fact, it is only through his generosity and leadership that Indiana was able to renovate and unveil the Indiana Farmers Coliseum in 2014. Andre’s legacy will live on through this landmark and the many lives he has positively impacted. His passing is a great loss, and Janet and I extend our sincere condolences to the Lacy family.
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett
“My heart is heavy to hear of the passing of Andre Lacy. Countless Indianapolis businesses, organizations, and philanthropic endeavors have benefited from Andre’s leadership, yet his legacy is truly defined by the values and principles that he lived by. Because of his integrity, innovation, and generosity, Andre leaves behind an Indianapolis that will be even better for the next generation..
I will be forever grateful to Andre for his incredible career and a life lead in service to others. My prayers are with the entire Lacy family during this trying time.”
Purdue President and former Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels
"Indiana lost one of its greatest citizens and countless of us lost a genuinely great friend. He said yes to every civic task he was asked to undertake, and there was never a time that he didn’t use his tremendous talent for good. A state can never have enough people like Andre Lacy.”
Butler University
Devastated to hear of the passing of Andre B. Lacy, our Lacy School of Business namesake. Our community has been so fortunate to benefit from his knowledge, expertise, and time. The #ButlerFamily will be forever grateful to count him a Bulldog. We send our thoughts to the Lacy family.
Hulman & Company President and CEO Mark Miles
“Andre’s loss is an incredible shock to everyone. It would be difficult to exaggerate his transformative impact on our city and state, as well as Hulman & Company as a member of our Board of Directors. His success as a business and civic leader was remarkable and impactful beyond measure. But it’s his unfailingly positive personality, extraordinary judgement and wise guidance we’ll miss most. Andre’s positive influence in all aspects of our community will leave a real gap we all must work hard to fill. We extend our condolences to his wonderful family and friends.”
Indiana Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kevin Brinegar
“It’s a very sad day for us. Andre was a personal mentor and a dear friend to the Indiana Chamber. During his long service to our organization (beginning in 1984 as a board member) and especially as board chairman in 2008, he always challenged us to keep improving. He emphasized good governance practices and pushed the Indiana Chamber to elevate its public policy efforts to an even higher level. Andre was also instrumental in growing our political action committee through a matching grant program.”
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