CEO of Biopharmaceutical Company Dies in Car Crash After Striking Tree

CEO of biopharmaceutical company Aerami Therapeutics Lisa Yañez, 50, died Tuesday night in a fiery car crash in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Chapel Hill police identified Yañez as the driver of the vehicle that slammed into a tree.

The passenger, identified as 40-year-old Vaughn Avery Booker, also passed away in the horrific car crash.

Police responded to a report of a vehicle on fire following a crash in the 600 block of W. Barbee Chapel Road.

“The driver of the vehicle has been identified as Lisa Marie Yanez, 50, of Carrboro. The passenger has been identified as Vaughn Avery Booker, 40, of Durham. The investigation of the crash is ongoing,” Chapel Hill police tweeted.

UPDATE: The driver of the vehicle has been identified as Lisa Marie Yanez, 50, of Carrboro. The passenger has been identified as Vaughn Avery Booker, 40, of Durham. The investigation of the crash is ongoing.

— Chapel Hill Police (@ChapelHillPD) May 3, 2023

A Chapel Hill news release stated:

An initial investigation found that the driver of the vehicle struck a tree. The driver and a passenger died at the scene.

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The cause of the crash remains under investigation. No additional information is available at this time.

https://twitter.com/DrJamesOlsson/status/1654663622834913281

Aerami Therapeutics released this press release Friday:

It is with deep sadness that Aerami Therapeutics (“Aerami”) today announces that our dear friend, fierce patient advocate, dedicated mentor, and CEO, Lisa Yañez suddenly passed away on Tuesday, May 2, 2023. The entire Aerami community mourns the loss of Lisa and extends our deepest sympathies to her family during this difficult time. Lisa possessed limitless empathy, intellect, bravery, and compassion. Lisa’s career, fueled by her endless curiosity and passion for helping others, was magnificent, but most important to her was her family, whom she loved dearly. Our thoughts are with Lisa’s family and her extensive network of friends and colleagues.

CEO of Durham biotech Aerami Therapeutics – a passionate, authentic leader’ – dies | WRAL TechWire https://t.co/zKW9dw63XL

— WRAL NEWS in NC (@WRAL) May 5, 2023

“Aerami is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to breathing life into the treatment of serious and rare cardiopulmonary conditions. Aerami’s mission-drive approach to product development seeks to help patients live longer and live better by combining precision medicines and advanced administration platforms to support ease-of-use and quality-of-life,” the press release added.