Industry Mourns the Loss of JLL’s Steve Thelen

DALLAS—Steve Thelen, managing director of JLL in Dallas/Fort Worth, and his wife Gina, were among the victims of the plane crash at Addison Airport earlier this week. The accident investigation is ongoing. The twin-engine Beechcraft BE-350 King Air private plane had 10 passengers and crew onboard when it left the airport.

Thelen began with JLL in July 2008. Prior to his most recent position, he served as executive vice president with the Staubach Company for nearly seven years before its merger with JLL. Thelen was previously senior director with Cushman and Wakefield of Texas for nearly 12 years. He graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor of science in computer science. Thelen, 58, and his wife, have a daughter, Christy, who is a Cushman & Wakefield associate, and a son, Kyle.

JLL issued this statement: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic accident that took place yesterday. Our deepest and most heartfelt sympathies go out to Steve and Gina’s family and friends during this difficult time. Steve was a valued friend and colleague to all of us, personally and professionally. They will both be deeply missed.”

The Dallas Tennis Association, where the Thelens were members, released this statement: “With deep sadness, we announce that the tennis community, and particularly our friends at Bent Tree Country Club, suffered a tragic loss. It has been confirmed that Bent Tree members Brian and Ornella Ellard with two of their children Alice and Dylan Maritato, Steve and Gina Thelen, and John and Mary Titus were passengers on the plane that crashed at Addison Airport on Sunday, June 30, 2019.

All were active members of the club and the impact of their loss will be felt by many. Many played on USTA League teams. Please join us in offering heartfelt condolences, thoughts and prayers to their families and those closest to them as well as to the families of the two pilots.”