The Chairman and CEO of Minneapolis based flower empire Bachman’s Inc., Todd Bachman, was murdered in Beijing, China on Saturday, August 9, 2008. His wife Barbara Bachman was injured along with their female tour guide. Their daughter Elisabeth ‘Wiz’ Bachman was on the 2004 U.S. Women’s Volleyball team and is married to Hugh McCutcheon, the head coach of the 2008 U.S. Men’s Volleyball team.
The couple, both 62, were sightseeing some five miles from the Olympic Stadium when the attack occurred. They were on the second floor of the 14th Century Drum Tower when a knife wielding assailant attacked the trio. The perpetrator was identified as 47 year old Tang Yongming, who reportedly flung himself over the second floor railing and plunged 130 feet to his death. Daughter Elisabeth Wiz Bachman was with her parents at the time of the attack but was not injured.
U.S. Ambassador Clark T. Randt paid a visit to Peking Union Medical College Hospital to speak with family members who have been at the bedside of the critically injured Barbara Bachman. Randt was sent to convey condolences from President George W. Bush and his wife Barbara, who are in Beijing.
Bachman’s Inc. held a press conference today at 4:00 p.m. CST at company headquarters in Minneapolis. They reported that Barbara Bachman underwent an operation and remains in critical condition with life threatening injuries that were suffered earlier in the day. Daughter Elisabeth Wiz Bachman and her husband have been at her mother’s bedside. Two other daughters are on their way to Beijing to be with their sister and mother.
Hugh McCutcheon stayed by his wife’s side rather than attend the U.S. Men’s Indoor Volleyball match. Assistant coach Ron Larson took over the coaching duties on Saturday. They won a tight first round match by edging Venezuela 3-2.
The business was founded by German immigrant Henry Bachman Sr. in 1885 and is now led by 4th and 5th generation family members. The company operates 29 retail stores and employs 1,600 people during peak season.
Earlier coverage and more complete details available here. Check out the crime scene photos as well as photos of the family below.