Ubisoft co-founder Claude Guillemot killed in plane crash in France

Claude Guillemot, one of five brothers who co-founded French video game giant Ubisoft in 1986 and who served as chairman of Guillemot Corp., died on Friday, 19 June, when a twin-engine light aircraft he owned crashed and burst into flames near La Baule in western France, according to multiple French media reports. 

He was 69.

A flight instructor aboard the plane also lost his life.

Ubisoft confirmed the death of one of its founding brothers in a formal statement on Saturday.

"Ubisoft was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Claude Guillemot, co-founder of the group and chairman of Guillemot Corp., in an accident," the company said. "Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. No further statements will be made at this time."

The aircraft was reportedly a Cessna 421 twin-engine propeller plane.

Ubisoft's video game franchises include Anno, Assassin’s Creed, Driver, Far Cry, Just Dance, Prince of Persia, Rabbids, Rayman, Tom Clancy’s, and Watch Dogs.