Irwin Jacobs, the founder and CEO of FLW (Fishing League Worldwide) has passed away.
According to reports, both Jacobs, a Wall Street corporate investor whose purchase of Ranger Boats and the FLW Outdoors professional fishing organization helped invigorate the bass fishing industry, and his wife, Alexandra, were found dead April 10 in the bedroom of their Minnesota home.
In a statement, Kathy Fennel, FLW president of operations, said, “Yesterday was a difficult day for the FLW family and the entire sport of professional bass fishing. Mr. Jacobs did so much for our organization and truly had a revolutionary impact on the industry throughout his time as owner of FLW. He cared deeply about the anglers and staff, and he gave all of us the unwavering support needed to be successful. I remain humbled and honored for the leadership opportunity he provided me. His sincerity and kindness extended not only to me but to all families of this organization. It was a privilege to know and work for Mr. Jacobs and his impact on our organization as well as our sport will continue on. My thoughts and prayers are with (Jacobs’ daughter, FLW Marketing President Trish Blake) and the entire Jacobs family during this time.”
FLW’s official statement read: “It is with deep sadness that we mourn the passing of FLW Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Irwin Jacobs and his loving wife, Alexandra. We as an organization are devastated by this loss and remember the leadership and passion with which Mr. Jacobs led our organization. We ask the bass fishing community to keep the Jacobs family in your thoughts and prayers during this time.”
All FLW tournaments and operations will proceed as scheduled.
