Christopher Cline Net Worth

Christopher Cline's Net Worth and Legacy

Christopher Cline was an influential American businessman, renowned for his significant contributions to the coal industry. At the time of his passing in 2019, he had amassed a net worth of $1.9 billion.

Early Life and Family Background

Born in Beckley, West Virginia, Cline hailed from a coal mining family. His grandfather operated his own coal mining business, and from a young age, Cline was involved, earning a penny for each bag of dirt he filled. These bags were utilized for mine blasting.

Building a Coal Empire

Cline's connection to the coal industry deepened when he inherited part of the family business from his father. At the age of 21, he left Marshall University to concentrate on the business, steadily nurturing it into one of the world's leading coal mining companies. His company, Foresight Energy, now produces an impressive 20 million tons of coal annually.

He is often credited with revitalizing the coal mining sector in Illinois and earned the title, "The New King of Coal." Significant financial backing for his ventures came from the Carlyle Group. In 2015, Cline sold a stake in his company to the Carlyle Group for $1.5 billion. Foresight Reserves, LP, is currently under the umbrella of The Cline Group, LLC.

Personal Life

In 2011, Cline was romantically linked with Elin Nordegren, the ex-wife of Tiger Woods. Their relationship began after Nordegren purchased a neighboring property in Florida.

Tragic Demise

Christopher Cline's life came to a tragic end on July 4, 2019, when a helicopter he was traveling in crashed in the Bahamas, resulting in the deaths of six other individuals, including one of his children. His death occurred just a day before his 61st birthday.