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Skipper Beck Killed in Plane Crash in Rock Hill South Carolina

by Amy Judd | September 11, 2009 at 09:20 am

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Skipper Beck, owner of a Mercedes-Benz dealership in Charlotte was killed in a plane crash this morning in Rock Hill South Carolina. He was piloting a single-engine Cirrus Cloud SR22, which crashed at about 7:15am shortly after take-off from the Rock Hill / York County Airport. He was on his way to Teterboro New Jersey, and was the only passenger on board.

Like his father before him, Beck had long been the owner of a Mercedes-Benz dealership. Beck Imports of the Carolinas was sold to Hendrick Automotive Group in April.

Skipper Beck made headlines in January when he was charged with soliciting prostitution through a call-girl service, but charges were dismissed in February after he attended a treatment center.

He had also formed the Beck Aviation Group to buy and sell aircraft, and was co-owner of the Charlotte Bobcats. Bob Johnson, Beck's partner in the team had this statement:

“The entire Bobcats Sports and Entertainment family mourns the loss of our partner and great friend, Skipper Beck. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues and friends.”

In the statement, Johnson added: “Not only has Bobcats Sports and Entertainment lost an energetic business champion, but so has the Charlotte business community. Skipper loved basketball and was instrumental in bringing the Bobcats to Charlotte, and as an owner, he was without question the Bobcats greatest fan. We will miss him at courtside.”

He is survived by his wife Lynn.

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julesksi (not verified)

at 16:56 on September 11th, 2009

funny, i grew up with the becks, kelly was my best friend. skipper was always elusive. did he not just get involved with a prostitute ring? divorce? the mob?

julesksi (not verified)

at 17:00 on September 11th, 2009

this was the 1970's, i went to charlotte latin school. kelly's maid was name willma or something, she drove a mercedes benzs station wagon. where is bobby beck? he always set second to his brother.