Christopher Cline

$1.80 B

Ranked #1281 in World

About Christopher Cline

Chris Cline, an American billionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist born on July 5, 1958, in Beckley, West Virginia, made significant strides in the coal mining industry. Starting his career as an underground miner at 22, Cline founded the Cline Group in 1990 and later Foresight Energy in 2006, revolutionizing coal mining operations in Illinois and beyond. Despite environmental controversies, he advocated for coal as a vital, low-cost energy source. Cline, who passed away in a tragic helicopter crash on July 4, 2019, was also known for his philanthropic efforts, donating millions to universities in West Virginia for medical and sports facilities. His entrepreneurial legacy and generosity continue to influence the energy sector and community projects.

Born

July 05, 1958 in Isaban, West Virginia, U.S.

Died

July 04, 2019 (aged 60)

Source Of Wealth

Coal

Industries

Energy

Citizenship

United States

Education

Drop Out, Marshall University

Spouse

Sabrina J. (nee Holley) Cline (Married: 19 ; died 1987), Kelly Cline (Married: 1993; Divorced: 2000)

Children

Chris Cline was born on July 5, 1958, in Beckley, West Virginia. His father was a coal miner, and Chris started working in the mines at the age of six, digging dirt for his father's mine-blasting operations.

Christopher Cline: Education

Cline studied psychology at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, but did not complete his degree.

Christopher Cline: Career Highlights

Cline became an underground miner at the age of 22 in 1980. In 1990, he founded Cline Group, his own energy development company. In 2006, he organized Foresight Energy to manage Illinois Basin coal rights. Foresight Energy went public on the New York Stock Exchange in 2014, and Cline sold off most of his share in the company in 2015 for $1.4 billion.

Cline focused on coal mining operations in Illinois despite environmental challenges. He built the Williamson longwall mining operation in Illinois and aimed for significant annual coal production. However, he faced opposition from environmental groups and landowners.

Cline also purchased a Nova Scotia metallurgical coal mine and rights to coal reserves in Western Canada. He was a strong advocate for coal as a low-cost energy source.

Christopher Cline: Companies

Cline founded Cline Group in 1990 and organized Foresight Energy in 2006.

Christopher Cline: Major Achievements

Cline's major achievements include building the Williamson longwall mining operation in Illinois, taking Foresight Energy public on the New York Stock Exchange, and selling off most of his share in the company for $1.4 billion.

Christopher Cline: Awards & Achievements

Cline received numerous awards and recognitions for his business success and philanthropy, including the West Virginia Coal Association's Distinguished West Virginian Award in 2014 and the Marshall University Foundation's Visionary Award in 2015.

Christopher Cline: Personal Life & Legacy

Cline was married twice, first to Sabrina J. Holley Cline (who died from breast cancer in 1987) and then to Kelly (divorced in 2000). He had three children: Candice, Christopher Logan, and Alex Tanner.

Cline owned a mansion in North Palm Beach, Florida, and a home in Beckley, West Virginia.

He was a charter member of Brenton Southern Baptist Church and had a relationship with Elin Nordegren, ex-wife of Tiger Woods.

Cline's legacy includes the Chris Cline Athletic Complex at Marshall University, which was dedicated in his honor in 2014.

Christopher Cline: Trivia

Cline owned two megayachts named "Mine Games." The first yacht was a 164-footer built in 2008 and sold in 2013. The second yacht was a 205-foot luxury yacht with a submarine, built in 2010 and sold in 2018.

Cline made significant political donations, including $1 million to Super PACs supporting Jeb Bush's presidential candidacy in 2015.

In 2012, Vivek Shah was arrested for attempting to extort Chris Cline and others. Shah threatened to kill Cline's family if $13 million was not paid. Shah was sentenced to seven years in prison in 2013.

Cline died in a helicopter crash in Grand Cay, Bahamas, on July 4, 2019, at the age of 60. Others who perished in the crash included his daughter Kameron and three friends. The crash was attributed to pilot error and taking off in dark conditions.

Wealth History

Timeline

July 5, 1958

Chris Cline is born in Beckley, West Virginia.

1980

Cline becomes an underground miner at age 22.

1990

Cline founds Cline Group, his own energy development company.

2006

Cline organizes Foresight Energy to manage Illinois Basin coal rights.

2012

Vivek Shah is arrested for attempting to extort Chris Cline and others.

2013

Shah is sentenced to seven years in prison.

2014

Foresight Energy goes public on the New York Stock Exchange.

2014

Chris Cline Athletic Complex at Marshall University is dedicated in his honor.

2015

Cline sells off most of his share of Foresight for $1.4 billion.

2015

Cline donates $1 million to Super PACs supporting Jeb Bush's presidential candidacy.

July 4, 2019

Chris Cline dies in a helicopter crash in Grand Cay, Bahamas, at age 60.

Christopher Cline : FAQs

What is Christopher Cline's net worth?

As of 2019, Christopher Cline's net worth was $1.80 billion.

What are Christopher Cline's main sources of wealth?

Christopher Cline's main source of income comes from Coal.

In which industry does Christopher Cline primarily operate?

Christopher Cline is primarily involved in the Energy industry.

What is Christopher Cline educational background?

Christopher Cline is a dropout from Marshall University.

Is Christopher Cline dead?

Yes, Christopher Cline died on July 04, 2019 (aged 60).

How many children does Christopher Cline have?

Christopher Cline has 4 children.

Who was Chris Cline and what was his contribution to the coal industry?

Chris Cline was an American billionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist, known for founding the Cline Group and organizing Foresight Energy to manage Illinois Basin coal rights. He played a significant role in coal mining operations in Illinois and advocated for coal as a low-cost energy source.

What were the key milestones in Chris Cline's early life and career?

Chris Cline was born in Beckley, West Virginia in 1958 into a coal mining family and started working in mines from a young age. He became an underground miner at 22 and founded his own company, the Cline Group in 1990, followed by Foresight Energy in 2006, significantly impacting the coal industry.

How did Chris Cline contribute to philanthropy?

Chris Cline was known for his philanthropic efforts, donating $5 million to West Virginia University for orthopaedic surgery and a basketball practice facility, and another $5 million to Marshall University for sports medicine research.

Can you share details about Chris Cline's personal life and interests?

Chris Cline was married twice and had three children. He owned luxury properties in Florida and West Virginia, was a charter member of Brenton Southern Baptist Church, had a relationship with Elin Nordegren, and owned two megayachts named "Mine Games."

What circumstances led to Chris Cline's death and how is his legacy remembered?

Chris Cline died in a helicopter crash in the Bahamas on July 4, 2019, due to pilot error and dark conditions. His legacy is remembered through various donations and the Chris Cline Athletic Complex at Marshall University, dedicated to his honor in 2014.