John Gilbert Getty: Mystery as heir to $5B Getty oil fortune dies after he was found unresponsive in Texas hotel
John Gilbert Getty, the grandson of oil tycoon J Paul Getty, has died at the age of 52. John is survived by his daughter Ivy Getty and his brothers Peter and Billy. According to law enforcement sources, John passed away on Friday, November 20, in San Antonio, Texas, after he was found unresponsive in a hotel room. The authorities do not suspect any foul play in his death, while the cause of death is pending via the autopsy, TMZ reported.
A spokesperson for his father, composer Gordon Getty, provided a statement to PEOPLE. The spokesperson said, "With a heavy heart, Gordon Getty announces the death of his son, John Gilbert Getty. John leaves behind his daughter, Ivy Getty, whom he loved beyond measure, and his brothers Peter and Billy. His brother, Andrew, predeceased John. John’s mother, Ann Gilbert Getty, passed this September. John was a talented musician who loved rock and roll. He will be deeply missed," the statement added.
John's daughter Ivy took to social media to share an emotional tribute to her father, along with many pictures of them together. In the beautiful post, she wrote, "I hate to post something so soon, but people have taken it upon themselves to share the news I wish I could have released myself. I’ll write something better later. My father was awesome – the coolest man to ever land on this planet and I will forever be the proudest daughter. Love you so much Dad....life is cruel sometimes... I have not one, but two guardian angels watching over me now...here are some of my favorite pictures of him (and selfishly a couple of us)," she wrote.
Many social media users commented on her post and expressed their condolences. One such user had written, "I'm so sorry for your Devastating loss Ivy And yes he will guide and watch over you. may he Rest In Peace and power." Another added, "I’m heartbroken to hear this 💔 sending u all the love in the world." Yet another added, "Love you, Ivy, you have all the BEST your Dad had to offer, he loved you with all his heart." "The third picture...what a legend. 👼 I’ll never forget John and the wacky, cool as fuck man that he was," shared another social media user. Another heartbroken user who echoed the same sentiments chimed in, "I am so sorry for the loss of your father, may he Rest In Peace. Sending lots of love and good vibes."
John's brother Andrew had died in 2015 following a meth intoxication and his own mother, Ann, had died after suffering a heart attack in September 2020. John Gilbert was one of the descendants of J Paul Getty, the oil tycoon whose art collection had served as the basis for the Getty Museum in Los Angeles. The Getty family fortune is believed to be worth a whopping $5 billion these days. However, there are also many other living heirs between children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.