RIP

Death of T. Boone Pickens' grandson linked to heroin use

Ty Pickens, 21, grandson of billionaire T. Boone Pickens, died on January 29 of causes yet to be determined. Pickens, a junior at Texas Christian University, was reportedly found by a friend at his off-campus condo, who took him to Baylor All Saints Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

In a statement, the Pickens family asked for privacy.

Ty’s loss at such a young age is an unspeakable family tragedy for the entire Pickens family and his many friends. We mourn his passing and respectfully request that the family be allowed to grieve in private in this time of sorrow.

On Wednesday, there was talk that Pickens' death could be the result of a drug overdose. A source told NBC 5 that Pickens was under the influence of heroin and Xanax the night of his death.

The tree-lined campus of Texas Christian University in Fort Worth has previously been the site of widespread drug use.

In February 2012, police raided the campus and arrested around 20 students for participating in an organized drug ring that involved the sale of marijuana, cocaine and ecstasy.

The raid included the arrest of four football players, but not starting quarterback Casey Pachall. However in October 2012, Pachall entered rehab after he was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. Pachall, who has successfully completed rehab and is once again enrolled at TCU, admitted to using cocaine and ecstasy.

Dr. Kathy Cavins-Tull, vice chancellor for TCU student affairs, offered her condolences to the Pickens family through the following statement:

We are deeply saddened by the loss of this member of our community and our hearts and thoughts are with Ty's family at this time. Staff members are available if students need to speak with someone about this sad news.

Ty Pickens, 21, died on January 29.

Photo via Facebook

Ty Pickens, 21, died on January 29.

unspecified

RIP Pete

Dallas businessman and former Schepps Dairy owner Pete Schenkel dies

Courtesy photo

Pete Schenkel

Dallas businessman Pete Schenkel, a philanthropist and former owner of Dallas-based Schepps Dairy, passed away at his Highland Park home on November 27 while in hospice care.

Born and raised in South Dallas where he worked on his father's dairy farm, Schenkel worked his way up from a Schepps Dairy deliverer to become an owner of the company in 1987. He went on to serve as President and owner of Southern Foods, which later sold to Suiza Foods and became Dean Foods, for which he also served as president and board member.

A statement from the city of Dallas says that Schenkel "leaves a legacy where he will be remembered for sharing his success with others and for his steadfast commitment to serve with pride and humility. Pete was unwavering in his dedication to making Dallas one of the safest large cities in the United States and was instrumental in promoting our economic growth and social vibrancy. We will strive to carry on his legacy by continuing to make Dallas a better place for all."

Founded by Harmon "Hymie" Schepps in 1942, Schepps Dairy traded hands and emerged from a bankruptcy under the primary ownership of Schenkel, who was Schepps' business partner. In 2000, the company was acquired by Suiza Foods Co., which then merged with Dallas-based Dean Foods the following year.

Schenkel was also involved in Dallas politics from the '80s to the '00s, both with sought-after endorsements as well as working on campaigns for mayoral candidates such as Jack Evans and Ron Natinsky.

In 2017, he was honored with an award from the NFF Gridiron Club for his role in helping bring football back to the Cotton Bowl on New Year's Day. He fought to keep the annual Texas-Oklahoma rivalry game at Cotton Bowl Stadium and has been the key negotiator in keeping the game there ever since.

Schenkel served on many influential boards that helped shape Dallas and North Texas, including chairing the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Board of Directors and the Methodist Health Care Foundation. After retiringm he remained active in nonprofit circles, helping direct a charitable fund with his wife, the Pat and Pete Schenkel Charitable Trust. He also served on the board of the Dallas Blue Foundation, which provides financial assistance to families of Dallas police officers killed or wounded in action.

His multiple awards and commendations including receiving the 82nd annual Linz Award for civic service in Dallas in 2011, as well as a Russell H. Perry Award from Dallas Baptist University, which lauded Schenkel for adhering to the highest ethical standards and being loyal to and respectful of friends and customers, as well as his modesty, shying away from the spotlight and shining it on others instead.

He's survived by his wife Pat, three children and seven grandchildren.

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