A post shared on Instagram claims the sister-in-law of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell was CEO of the company owning the ship that struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland.
Verdict: False
There is no evidence for this claim. McConnell’s sister-in-law worked was CEO of a different shipping company.
Fact Check:
A container ship lost power and struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing it to collapse on Tuesday at 1:30 a.m., according to NBC News. Six people fell into the frigid water below and are presumed dead, the outlet reported.
An Instagram post claims McConnell’s sister-in-law was the CEO of the shipping company that owned the ship that struck the Baltimore bridge.
“PLEASE READ THIS! IT’S IMPORTANT! McConnell’s sister in law that recently drowned in a Tesla is listed as the CEO of the company that owns the ship that hit the bridge,” the image’s text reads.
This claim is inaccurate, however. McConnell’s sister-in-law, Angela Chao, died in February after driving her Tesla into a lake while intoxicated, according to CNN. She was CEO of shipping company Foremost Group, the outlet reported. (RELATED: Does Video Show Explosion At Francis Scott Key Bridge?)
The ship involved in the incident, known as “DALI,” was owned by Synergy Marine Group, which published a press release following the tragedy.
Check Your Fact reached out to Synergy Marine Group for comment and will update this piece accordingly if one is received.