Raley’s CFO Ken Mueller dies in plane crash over the weekend

Raley's CFO Ken Mueller, who had been with the retailer since 1997, was killed in a plane crash Sunday along with the company's chief pilot, Richard Conte, The Raley’s Companies confirmed Tuesday.

Mueller, 56 and Conte, 68, were the only two occupants aboard the Beechcraft Baron 58 propeller plane. The six-seater, twin-engine plane had taken off at about 8:23 a.m. from Tracy Municipal Airport in Tracy, California. After about 20 minutes, it crashed in an orchard less than five miles northwest of Galt, California, according to a report in The Sacramento Bee. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene, officials said. 

“Over the weekend, we were notified by authorities of a plane crash involving two of our long-term Raley's team members, Ken Mueller, chief financial officer and Richard Conte, chief pilot. Our organization is deeply saddened and heartbroken,” Raley's spokesperson Chelsea Minor said in a statement. “At this time, we are focused on supporting their families, friends and our colleagues. An investigation is being handled by the regulatory agencies, and we expect to learn more in the days and weeks ahead.”

Mueller had been with the company for 25 years. As CFO, he led the financial services, payroll, real estate and information services departments. He implemented strategic financial plans and managed business systems and technology.

Mueller is survived by his wife and two children.

Conte was a pilot examiner and had served as Raley’s chief pilot for eight years. He was described by former Sacramento Sheriff John McGinness in The Sacramento Bee as someone who was overwhelmingly respected by the aviation community.

“Our air ops people knew him well and held him in high regard. Richard Conte, that’s the guy who, if something goes wrong with an aircraft, that’s someone you want at the helm of the plane. He’s a talented guy,” said McGinness.

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash.

The Raley’s Companies is headquartered in West Sacramento, California. The company was founded in 1935 and operates more than 235 locations across seven states and four tribal nations. The Raley’s Companies banners include: Raley’s, Bel Air, Nob Hill Foods, Raley’s O-N-E Market, Bashas’, Bashas’ Diné, Food City, AJ’s Fine Foods and Eddie’s Country Store.