N9NE Group Co-Founder Scott DeGraff Dies From Apparent Suicide in Aspen

Chicago native Scott DeGraff, who co-founded the N9NE Group with Michael Morton, was found dead at his Aspen, Colo., home early on Thanksgiving after firefighters responded to a carbon monoxide alarm. DeGraff, 47, was found in his car, the victim of an apparent suicide from carbon monoxide poisoning. He is survived by his wife and two children.

DeGraff and Morton first founded N9NE Steakhouse in 2000 in Chicago after having a successful run with the nightclub Drink, which opened in 1992. The pair then expanded their businesses to Las Vegas, where they partnered with Palms hotel owner George Maloof, Jr. They also opened properties in Dallas and DeGraff had been working on new ventures that soured and was hit with a number of lawsuits.

In late September, DeGraff filed for bankruptcy protection and on Oct. 26, was ordered by a federal judge to pay around $4 million to a New York-based investment group.
· Las Vegas Club Owner DeGraff Found Dead; Suicide Suspcted [LVRJ]

[Photo: Aspen Times]