West Virginia Coal Billionaire & Philanthropist Chris Cline Dies in Helicopter Crash!!!

Especially this generous philanthropist… Chris Cline.

West Virginia coal billionaire & philanthropist Chris Cline died in a helicopter crash near the Bahamas on Thursday, that state's governor said.

"Today we lost a WV superstar & I lost a very close friend," Gov. Jim Justice tweeted.

" ... Chris Cline built an empire & on every occasion was always there to give. What a wonderful, loving & giving man."

Seven people are believed dead, the Royal Bahamas Police Force said in a statement Friday. The RBPF did not identify any of the victims.

Police said a helicopter took off from Big Grand Cay around 2 a.m. local time Thursday & was reported missing more than 12 hours later around 2:50 p.m. when it didn't arrive in Fort Lauderdale, its intended destination.

Police officers & residents of Grand Cay discovered the aircraft overturned in 16 feet of water about two miles off Grand Cay in the Abacos & recovered the bodies of four females & three males, police said.

The Department of Civil Aviation, the Royal Bahamas Police & the Defense Force are investigating.

Cline's daughter, Kameron, was among those on the aircraft, according to a family statement.

"This loss will be felt by all those who had the privilege of having known them. Chris was one of West Virginia's strongest sons, an American original, full of grit, integrity, intelligence & humor, a testament that our hopes & dreams are achievable when we believe & commit ourselves to action," the family said.

"Our sister, Kameron, was a bright light to all who knew her, loving, smart, compassionate & full of joy & enthusiasm for life & other people."

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By: Faith Karimi & Sheena Jones

Image(s): Getty