LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Donald Laughlin, real estate developer and founder of Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort — located in a town holding his name 96 miles south of Las Vegas — has died at 92.
Born in 1931, Laughlin died on Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023.
Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort stated about his death in a Facebook post, “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 post did not state the cause of death.
“Everybody thinks they know him, and they’ve never met him,” Laughlin Chamber of Commerce CEO and President Jackie Wallin said to 8 News Now, discussing how freely he socialized with his employees and town members. “His vision really sparked the passion for others.”
“He put all of his money into it, so he knew he had to make it work,” Diana Fuchs, director of marketing and entertainment of the Riverside Resort, said to 8 News Now, discussing Laughlin’s investment into the hotel and casino. “He’s the longest individual who has held a gaming license.”
A Celebration of Life is set for the beginning of November at the Riverside Resort. Final details are expected in the coming weeks.
