Skipper Beck

Skipper Beck

Longtime Charlotte car dealer Skipper Beck was killed in a plane crash in Rock Hill Friday morning, according to media outlets. Beck’s single-engine Cirrus Cloud SR22 crashed at about 7:15 a.m. at the Rock Hill/York County Airport, according to the reports. Like his father before him, Beck had long been the owner of a Mercedes-Benz dealership. Beck Imports of the Carolinas was sold to Hendrick Automotive Group in April.

Beck made headlines in January, when he was charged with soliciting prostitution through a call-girl service that catered to well-heeled customers. Beck, 49, admitted to the charge, which was dismissed in February after he attended a Charlotte treatment center. In an undated section of the Beck Management Group Web site, he wrote: “I have always teased my wife and others that anything that had a motor in it I could drive it. Well I also have a desire to fly it. I am currently flying a 2008 Cirrus SR22 G3 Turbo and working to get my instrument rating this summer.”

The plane was valued at $525,500. He formed the Beck Aviation Group to buy and sell aircraft as well as to operate charter air service. The Federal Aviation Administration issued a single-engine pilot’s license to Beck in November. Multiple calls to Beck Imports and Luquire George Andrews, the public relations firm that has represented Beck, were not returned. Beck was also a co-owner of the Charlotte Bobcats. Bob Johnson, majority owner of the NBA team, said: “The entire Bobcats Sports and Entertainment family mourns the loss of our partner and great friend, Skipper Beck. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues and friends.”