A well-known Northeast Georgia couple who owned and operated the Cateechee Golf Club in Hartwell has died. The club announced the deaths of Charles “Charly” Schell and Kelli Taylor Schell on its Facebook page Saturday.
“It is with profound sadness and heavy heart that we announce the untimely passing of Charly and Kelli Schell. The love Charly and Kelli shared for Hartwell and its community inspired the purchase of Cateechee in 2017. Cateechee has provided special memories for many of us, and we will continue the legacy that Charly and Kelli paved; and the business model that embraces the community.”
The post did not say how the couple died, although friends say they died in a plane crash.
Reports circulating online say the couple’s plane went down near the town of Buffalo in Johnson County, Wyoming. The National Transportation Safety Board confirms that a Cessna P201N did go down near Buffalo on July 14, but the Johnson County coroner tells Now Habersham he has not released any names.
“We’ve had a plane crash, but I can not confirm any identity and I won’t be able to confirm any identity until DNA testing,” says David Harness. “We’re going to do autopsies on the remains we have on Wednesday and will take DNA samples and send those off.”
Harness says it could be two weeks before his office has confirmation of the identity of those killed in the crash.
The Schells, both 50, had been traveling through the West recently.
Charly Schell was the Chief Executive Officer of Bison Advisors, an investment advisor firm based in Hartwell. He founded Bison and Armis Advisers after leaving Forge Consulting, which he co-founded in 2003, according to LinkedIn.
The Schells were both graduates of North Georgia College (now the University of North Georgia). He served as an Army pilot before becoming a business consultant. She was the owner and general manager of the Cateechee Conference Center. The two were known for their extensive work with charities and their contributions to the community.
“The City of Hartwell sends its deepest condolences to the families of Charly and Kelli Taylor Schell and to the Cateechee family. Their untimely passing leaves our community with a void that can’t be filled,” Hartwell Mayor Brandon Johnson posted to Facebook.
Hundreds more expressed shock and sadness over the news.
“Had just been enjoying their photos of their trip in Montana this week. Just heartbroken for their loved ones. Such a loss to our community too. They were so involved with and loved Hartwell. God bless and comfort their children. Family and friends. They will be truly missed,” Leigh Hall commented.
“This is the saddest post we’ve seen in a long, long time. Prayers for everyone surrounding this loss!” Randal Davis wrote.
Michelle Wetherbee echoed the sentiments of many others with these simple words, “My heart is broken.”
Mayor Johnson credits the Schells with saving the Cateechee golf course when they took it over from the city several years ago. “Without them, we most likely would’ve lost one of our greatest assets.”
“Simply put, they loved Hartwell and Hartwell loved them. We will all work to continue their legacy by working together to see Hartwell reach its full potential. Please join me in praying for their kids and family during the coming days.”
The Schells leave behind two adult children, parents, and a host of family and friends.
