Tragedy on Lake Michigan

Red Rock Resorts and Station Casinos president Richard J. Haskins was tragically killed in a watercraft accident over the Fourth of July holiday weekend. After initial reports provided little detail, authorities have released more information as to exactly what happened.

As per the report, 77-year-old James Moffatt of Vero Beach, Florida was driving a 27-foot powerboat on Lake Michigan in Little Traverse Bay, Michigan on the afternoon of July 4. At the same time Moffatt was traveling westbound, the 56-year-old Haskins was going northbound on his Sea Doo Personal Watercraft. The two eventually collided.

Haskins was brought to a Harbor Springs launch area where he was pronounced dead by emergency responders. An investigation is ongoing.

Company, friends shocked

Station Casinos issued a statement regarding the death of its president, saying that the board of directors is planning to make an announcement in the next few days regarding a succession plan, as well as sending public condolences to his family.

He was a trusted advisor, a brilliant strategist, a steady hand”

Frank Fertitta III, the chairman and CEO of Red Rock, also issued a statement. It started: “Words cannot express what Rich has meant to the Company and to me in the 25 years he has been with Station Casinos. He was a trusted advisor, a brilliant strategist, a steady hand in good times and in bad and most important – a friend to all.”

Fertitta went on to say that Station Casinos without Richard Haskins is very hard to imagine and that he will be sorely missed by everyone.

Haskins and Station Casinos

Haskins had worked for Station Casinos since 1995 when he joined as general counsel for its Midwest operations. He had been the president of Station Casinos and Red Rock since October 2015. 

Station Casinos is partially owned by Red Rock Resorts Inc., a publicly traded holding company. It launched in 1976 with the opening of the Bingo Palace and now has 20 casinos across Southern Nevada.