John Gilbert Getty died on November 20th in San Antonio, Texas. According to law enforcement sources, he was found unresponsive in a city hotel room. Foul play is not suspected.
“With a heavy heart, Gordon Getty announces the death of his son, John Gilbert Getty,” a family spokesperson confirmed in a statement. “John was a talented musician who loved rock and roll. He will be deeply missed.”
Syracuse.com’s recent article, titled “John Gilbert Getty, heir to J. Paul Getty oil fortune, found dead at 52,” explains that John Gilbert Getty was the grandson of famed industrialist J. Paul Getty. The patriarch of the family founded the Getty Oil Co. and was once named the richest living American. He had five sons and died in 1976 at age 82.
Another grandson, J. Paul Getty III, made headlines when he was kidnapped and lost an ear as a teenager in Rome. J. Paul Getty delayed paying a ransom, which is portrayed in the 2017 film, “All the Money in the World” and the 2018 TV series “Trust.”
According to the Los Angeles Times, John Gilbert Getty was wealthy himself. He was the owner of several homes in L.A. including a $3.9 million Hollywood Hills West property that he bought in 2018. At the time, the family fortune was estimated to be $5 billion.
John Gilbert Getty’s father, Gordon Getty, is a multi-billionaire and one of the richest people in the United States.
“My father was awesome- coolest man to ever land on this planet and I will forever be the proudest daughter,” Ivy Getty wrote on Instagram. “Love you so much Dad….life is cruel sometimes…. I have not one, but two guardian angels watching over me now.”
John Gilbert’s survivors include his father, Gordon; his daughter, Ivy; and two brothers, Peter and Billy.
Reference: Syracuse.com (Nov. 24, 2020) “John Gilbert Getty, heir to J. Paul Getty oil fortune, found dead at 52”
