SANTA CLAUS, IN. (WFIE) - The owner of southern Indiana theme park Holiday World and Spashin' Safari Will Koch died overnight.
According to a press release issued by the theme park overnight, Koch died at home of what the family believes to be complications from diabetes.
He was 48.
Park spokesperson Paula Werne says, "Will was not only our leader, he was our dear friend. Our park family is in mourning for this sweet man who worked tirelessly to bring fun and happiness to so many families in the 20 years he ran the park."
Werne also says that Holiday World & Splashin' Safari will be open today, and that the park will continue to be owned and operated by the Koch family.
During Koch's tenure as Cheif Executive Officer of Koch Development Corporation, the parent company of Holiday World & Splashin' Safari, the park saw dramatic growth.
Starting with the addition of Splashin' Safari in 1993 and continuing with the construction of the Wildebeest this year, the park earned international awards and saw attendance figures topping one million.
Koch is survived by his wife, Lori, and three children: Lauren, Leah, and William.
He is also survived by his mother, Pat, and siblings Dan, Kristi, Philip and Natalie.
The Koch family is asking that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Lincoln Boyhood Drama Association or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
The park saw so much growth under him. He is the reason this theme park is on the map to people around the world. I met him when I was there in 2005, and despite being the head honcho, he was extremely down to earth. He will be missed greatly by the entire community.
The man was only 48 and supposedly died of complications from diabetes. This is a wakeup call including myself as I have at times been borderline diabetic but some weight loss and a little exercise has helped alot. I am assuming Will had type 1 diabetes though which is alot tougher to control.]
My prayers to his family and friends.
I finally retired the Sarah Palin signature because she is now 100% irrelevant.
I was woken up to 5miss calls & 3 texts, explaining someone died, & I'm not answering!....I was a little freaked out by you I hope you know that GREG! Ugh.
Yes, as one of you said, he is the reason the park is on the map, he had so much vision. I honestly thought hed be the first to introduce us to the Launching wooden coaster especially after the Timberliners became a reality. I hope his family continues his vision in future attractions. Sad day. He is so young
This is so sad. I was just at Holiday World for the first time 11 days ago, and was looking so forward to this park's future under his leadership. I hope there are others in place who can carry on his vision and dreams. The park won't feel the same without him. R.I.P. Will.
one of the most brilliant men in the theme park buisness is gone.
