Holder Blackberry Farm, Sam Bell, dies in skiing accident

The owner of Blackberry Farm died in a skiing accident in Colorado on Thursday night.

The resort has announced the death of Sam Beall, 39, in a press release on Friday morning.

"The Beall family and Blackberry Farm equipment are understandably surprised by this heartbreaking news about the man who dearly loved as a son, brother, father, friend and host," said Blackberry Farm in a statement. "They welcome the thoughts and prayers of all those whose lives were touched by the hospitable character of Sam, visionary leadership and adventurous spirit."

Beall had taken over running the farm of his mother Kreis Beall. According to the website of Blackberry Farm, Sam Beall had promoted business for the evolution of the Farm, the Wellhouse (an on-site spa and health center), program expansion of retail, creating two new restaurants and numerous awards from various media and other distinctions.

Beall leaves behind his wife and five children.

n an interview with WBIR, Joseph Lenin, former head chef at Blackberry Farm, he recalled Beall infectious personality.

"Your happiness and love for life," says Lenn. "You just could not help but want to live life to the fullest as he did."

Lenn also acknowledged that given the spirit of Beall and the high level and culture that brought his family farm.

"What I hope is that this wonderful heritage of Southern hospitality lives on at Blackberry Farm and that's how people remember it every time they go there, because that's what it was."

Lenn wife Kathryn Powell-Lenn grew with the Beall family. She says Sam Beall was a devoted father and husband.

"There is no doubt in my mind how much he loved his children and he loved his wife. He was always so impressed that he could do so well and give 110% for them. My heart aches for them at this time."

Friends and others in the culinary community sent their condolences to the family of Beall on Friday.

"Sam Beall was a young man who cares and one of the most Creative business people of our state. It took a hotel company that is known worldwide for its quality," said Sen. Lamar Alexander said in a statement. "He and the Beall family have been close friends of the family for many, many years. we are surprised by the news and we extend our deepest condolences to his family and everyone in the team Blackberry Farm".

"Our deepest condolences go out to the family who lost an extraordinary husband, father and businessman," said Bryan Daniels, Blount Association President / CEO. "His leadership, guidance and vision of one of the hidden treasures of the United States showing southern hospitality will be missed."

A representative of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra said the organization was "shocked" by the death of Beall.

"Sam has been visionary in creating and shaping the warm and welcoming (not to mention delicious) experience of visitors to Blackberry Farm, putting East Tennessee on the map," the statement issued by Rachel Dellinger said. "He is a Knoxville, a true follower of the arts, treasure and will be sorely missed. We send our condolences to his family during this time."

Said David Butler, executive director of the Museum of Art Knoxville: "The whole museum Knoxville art family is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Blackberry Farm owner Sam Beall Sam was a great friend of KMA and will be greatly less.. extend condolences to his family and everyone connected with Blackberry Farm ".

Gallaher owner Matt Mason Knox said he owed much of his career to Blackberry Farm, and by extension, Sam Beall.

"It was clear he had a great vision for entertainment and you know it, which means East Tennessee in the 21st century," he said. "It's a great loss, but the rules established and the culture that created by Blackberry, the live."

Related eXtra/News news News Today STYLE tech