Dave & Busters co-founder James Corley has died due to “apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound”
Dave & Buster’s founder James “Buster” Corley has passed away. The businessman was discovered at his home in the Dallas area on Monday with a “apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.” Corley was taken to a local hospital after his discovery, but he later passed away there. He was 72.
His family said in a statement that Corley had a stroke last year that left him with “severe damage” to a large portion of his brain. Buster Corley’s daughter Kate Corley said in a statement, “Buster Corley had a stroke four months ago that caused severe damage to the communication and personality part of his brain,”
A statement was also issued by the “eatertainment” chain, praising the founder’s contributions to the company.
The statement goes on to say that “his pioneering spirit and steadfast belief that ‘everybody is somebody’ set the foundation” for bringing food and games to millions of Dave & Buster’s guests over the past 40 years. “Buster’s passion for hospitality, his demand for excellence, and the deep care he had for his team members were unparalleled. Our hearts go out to his family at this difficult time and while we will miss his wise counsel and his easy laugh, the legacy he and Dave built endures.