J. Michael Cline, founder of Fandango, died at age 64 after an apparent suicide from the 20th floor of The Kimberly Hotel in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, leaving behind a note expressing his pain and apologies.

J. Michael Cline, a prominent entrepreneur and philanthropist known for founding Fandango, was discovered dead after falling from a New York City hotel. The New York Police Department has classified the fall as an apparent suicide, and it was revealed that Cline left a note articulating his emotional turmoil. Cline's sudden death has shocked both the business community, where he was highly influential, and his family, to whom he was deeply committed. His contributions to the tech industry, private equity, and conservation efforts underscore the loss felt across multiple sectors.

The incident took place at The Kimberly Hotel, located at 145 East 50th Street in Midtown Manhattan. Cline fell from the 20th floor of the hotel. Emergency medical services were quickly called to the scene, but he was declared dead shortly after being found with injuries consistent with a fall from a significant height. Authorities have determined that the fall was an apparent suicide.

In a suicide note left behind, Cline expressed his pain and offered an apology. The note has not been made public in detail, but it indicated that he had been experiencing significant emotional distress. In the days leading up to his death, Cline underwent gallbladder surgery.

Cline was a significant figure in the business world. Born in 1959, he attended Cornell University for his undergraduate studies and later received an MBA from Harvard Business School. His career took off when he founded Fandango in 1999, a movie ticketing company that revolutionized the way consumers purchased tickets. He led the company until 2011, by which time NBCUniversal had acquired it.

Beyond Fandango, Cline was deeply involved in several other business ventures. He was a founding and managing partner of the private equity firm Accretive. Additionally, he served as executive chairman at Juxtapose, a startup investment company. In 2010, he founded Acumen and served as chairman and director until 2017. He also founded Accolade in 2007 and held the position of chairman until 2022. His leadership and vision were widely recognized and respected in the industry.

Cline was not only known for his entrepreneurial spirit but also for his commitment to philanthropy and conservation. He served as the chairman of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, actively supporting conservation efforts. His philanthropic activities included initiatives to protect natural habitats and promote environmental sustainability.

Cline's personal life was as rich and multifaceted as his professional one. He was married to Pamela, and together they had six children. The family resided in multi-million-dollar homes in Greenwich, Connecticut, and Palm Beach, Florida. Although Cline's business engagements often took center stage, those close to him knew him as a devoted family man.

The news of Cline's death has sent shockwaves through the communities he touched—whether in business, conservation, or his personal circles. He leaves behind a legacy marked by innovation, dedication, and a profound commitment to making a positive impact. As his family and colleagues come to terms with the loss, the full extent of his contributions to various fields continues to be recognized and remembered.