Donald “Don” J. Laughlin, a resort owner and the namesake of a popular southern Nevada town, has died. He was 92.
According to a post on social from his casino, Laughlin died Sunday in his penthouse home at the Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino in Laughlin. He died of natural causes.
“Don touched many lives in our local community as well as nationwide, and we understand how difficult this news will be for many. Especially our Riverside Resort family. Don Laughlin was truly an amazing man to work with and learn from,” the company said in announcing the news.
“Matt and the Laughlin family have asked for some time to grieve and an official statement including memorial service will be made. Thank you in advance for all your sympathy and prayers. Rest in Peace, Don. Your family loves you.”
Laughlin’s family had been with Laughlin for several days prior to his death.
Laughlin was the architect behind the transformation of a desert area just 100 miles south of Las Vegas into a booming substitute to the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas. The first resort/casino Riverside Resort opened in 1966.
Laughlin the town is positioned on the Colorado River near the Nevada-Arizona border and is home to eight casino resorts. It is estimated that nearly 2 million visitors travel to the gambling city each year.