NATIONWIDE — Kent Taylor, the 65-year-old founder and CEO of the Texas Roadhouse restaurant chain, has died.

According to his family, prior to taking his own life, he suffered from severe symptoms attributed to COVID-19, including tinnitus, a sharp and frequently painful ringing in the ear.

According to experts, COVID-19 can exacerbate tinnitus.

“Kent battled and fought hard like the former track champion that he was, but the suffering that greatly intensified in recent days became unbearable,” a statement from the family reads.

We will miss you, Kent. Because of you and your dream of Texas Roadhouse, we get to say we ❤ our jobs every day. #WeLoveYouKent #TXRHFamily #RoadhouseStrong pic.twitter.com/GZEkUJspoA

— Texas Roadhouse (@texasroadhouse) March 19, 2021

Perhaps ironically, the first Texas Roadhouse was opened in Clarksville, Indiana, in 1993. There are now 610 Texas Roadhouse restaurants located in 49 states and 10 other countries. The chain is based in Taylor’s hometown, Louisville, Indiana.

He was a maverick entrepreneur who embodied the values of never giving up and putting others first. My deepest condolences to Kent’s family and many, many friends. 2/2

— Mayor Greg Fischer (@louisvillemayor) March 19, 2021

“Kent leaves an unmatched legacy as a people-first leader, which is why he often said that Texas Roadhouse was a people company that just happened to serve steaks,” the statement from the family goes on to say.

Taylor died March 18. He is survived by his parents, three children and five grandchildren.

If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, or text HOME to 741741 for support from the Crisis Text Line.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.