Mohegan Sun Casino Leader Dies At 88
Ralph W. Sturges became leader of the Mohegan tribe late in life, but the work he did in his 70-s and 80-s changed the future of the tribe, the state and an industry. Holding the title *chief for life,* Sturges led the Mohegans through the process of gaining formal federal recognition, and then through the development of the Mohegan Sun, one of the country’s largest casinos. 
Sturges died Sunday night at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in New London from lung cancer. Sturges’ wife, Ida, died in May. He is survived by a son, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.