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Las Vegas resort leader and philanthropist Elaine Wynn dies at 82

Elaine Wynn arrives at the 10th Breakthrough Prize Ceremony on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles.
Jordan Strauss
/
Invision/AP
Elaine Wynn arrives at the 10th Breakthrough Prize Ceremony on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles.

Elaine Wynn, who, with her ex-husband Steve Wynn, co-founded Mirage Resorts and Wynn Resorts, has died at age 82, according to the Elaine P. Wynn and Family Foundation.

In a media release on Tuesday morning, the foundation noted her influence at the Golden Nugget, The Mirage, Bellagio, Wynn and Encore Resorts.

"As the largest individual shareholder of Wynn Resorts, Ms. Wynn wielded significant influence, not just as an investor, but as a steward of a vision that transcended mere entertainment. She understood that Las Vegas was not just a destination; it was an experience—an ever-evolving tapestry woven with threads of art, culture, and the human spirit," the statement said.

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She was the chair of the UNLV Foundation and was on the board of the Consortium for Policy Research in Education, as well as Communities in Schools.

The UNLV family was profoundly saddened to learn of the passing of business entrepreneur and philanthropist Elaine Wynn today. Her advocacy for UNLV and education at all levels in Las Vegas could be seen in her dedication and generosity as a founding member of the UNLV Board of Trustees and active engagement with the university for 25 years, including her tenure as board chair. We extend our deepest condolences and sympathy to Elaine’s family at this time.
UNLV Officer in Charge Chris Heavey

Last year, Wynn and former Mayor Carolyn Goodman announced plans to build the Las Vegas Museum of Art, in partnership with the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Wynn died after a brief illness.

Nevada Public Radio has received funding from the Elaine P. Wynn Family Foundation.

Kristen DeSilva (she/her) is the audience engagement specialist for Nevada Public Radio. She curates and creates content for knpr.org, our weekly newsletter and social media for Nevada Public Radio and Desert Companion.