Fandango Cofounder J. Michael Cline Dies After Falling From New York Hotel

J. Michael Cline, the finance executive and entrepreneur who cofounded the movie ticketing site Fandango, died Tuesday in New York. He was 64.

The New York Police Department on Wednesday identified Cline as the man who died after falling from the 20th floor of the Kimberly Hotel in midtown Manhattan a day prior. His body was discovered in a third-floor courtyard.

“Upon arrival, officers found an unconscious and unresponsive male with injuries indicative of a fall from an elevated position,” the NYPD said in a statement , adding that the investigation was ongoing.

Cline’s death has been ruled a suicide. He is survived by his wife, Pamela B. Cline, and six children.

Cline, who resided in Palm Beach, Florida, graduated from Cornell University and received an MBA from Harvard University. A 2018 Fordham University article described him as a “serial entrepreneur.”

Since 1999, he served as the managing partner of Accretive, which funds start-up companies. Prior to launching Accretive, he was one of the founders of Fandango and was critical in negotiating relationships with major movie theater chains like Regal and Cinemark.

“A Fandango is fast and fun,” Cline said of the site at the time of its founding, according to The New York Times . “Fandango is the perfect match to a service designed to make going to the movies easier and more enjoyable than ever before.”

According to People , Cline left Fandango in 2007 when the company was acquired by NBCUniversal.

In an interview with Deadline , a former colleague described Cline as generous and creative, noting that he “made sure the exhibitors had enough of an opportunity so it made sense for them.” Cline, he said, was also heavily involved in environmental philanthropy, and served on the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s board of directors.

If you or someone you know needs help, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for mental health support. Additionally, you can find local mental health and crisis resources at dontcallthepolice.com . Outside of the U.S., please visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention .