Austrian Billionaire Richard Lugner Dies at 91

Billionaire businessman Richard Lugner, renowned for his extravagant lifestyle and high-profile celebrity companions, passed away on Monday at the age of 91. The Austrian entrepreneur, who recently married his sixth wife, Simone Reiländer, just two months prior, reportedly died at his villa in Vienna. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer paid tribute to Lugner, describing him as a "successful entrepreneur and a dazzling personality" in a heartfelt message shared on social media. Lugner's marriage to Reiländer, which garnered media attention due to their 49-year age difference, was celebrated with a wedding attended by 50 guests and 30 members of the press. Following their nuptials, Reiländer hinted at their intimate life, stating they had a "very long wedding night." However, Lugner's health had been in decline, with a significant incident occurring in July when he was hospitalized for a ruptured heart valve. In recent years, Lugner faced serious health challenges, including a skin cancer diagnosis that required multiple surgeries. He had previously expressed a desire to ensure his affairs were in order, stating, "I wanted to have everything arranged. My heirs should know what to do." Notably, Lugner was famous for paying substantial sums to celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Lindsay Lohan to accompany him to events, with Kardashian reportedly receiving $500,000 for a date in 2014. Lugner leaves behind four children from three previous marriages: Alexander, Andreas, Nadin, and Jacqueline. His legacy as a flamboyant figure in Austrian society and a savvy businessman will be remembered.