Billionaire tycoon Ronald Burkle’s producer son, 27, is found dead in his Beverly Hills home just days after celebrating Christmas with his family
- Andrew Burkle, 27, was found unconscious at around 7.36pm on Monday
- Father Ron, co-owner of the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, is worth $1.5billlion
- ‘He is deeply loved by his family and friends and will be greatly missed,’ the Burkle family said in a statement.
- It added: ‘Andrew was known as a young man full of life and entrepreneurial energy. Everyone he met commented on his humble demeanor and hard work’
Andrew Burkle, son of billionaire tycoon Ronald Burkle, has been found dead aged 27 at his home in Beverly Hills just days after celebrating Christmas with his family.
Andrew, a producer, was confirmed dead by his family on Monday after police were called about an ‘unconscious male on the 100 block of Spalding Drive’ at around 7.36pm.
Father Ron is the founder of investment firm Yucaipa and has invested some of his $1.5billlion fortune in the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins.
In a statement to People, the family said: ‘It is with the deepest regret and sadness that we announce the death of Andrew C. Burkle on January 6, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California.
Ronald Burkle (centre) with his son Andrew (right) celebrating the Pittsburgh Penguins victory in the Stanley Cup in June 11, 2017 in Nashville. Ron Burkle is a co-owner of the team
‘He is deeply loved by his family and friends and will be greatly missed. Andrew was known as a young man full of life and entrepreneurial energy. Everyone he met commented on his humble demeanor and hard work.’
Andrew is survived by father Ron, mother Janet Duitson, sister Carrie Harr and brother John Burkle.
A source told People that Andrew is believed to have died early on Monday but was not found until that evening.
It comes after Andrew shared heartfelt pictures with his family over the Christmas holidays, sharing one beaming photo with a young girl believed to be a relative.
The caption said: ‘Merry Christmas from me and the munchkin! 2nd year of this photo, definitely a tradition now.’
Andrew Burkle, Ron Burkle and Mike Shinoda attend Relief Live at L.A. River Studios on November 14, 2015 in Los Angeles, California
In another Instagram snap from December 2, he celebrated his birthday at the same time as his brother John.
On Father’s Day last year Andrew posted a photo with Ron and John with the Stanley Cup after it was won by the Penguins the year before.
‘It’s hard to find words to describe my dad,’ Andrew wrote, ‘but here goes. He is one of the smartest people in the world, he’s kind, loving, and incredibly generous.’
The statement provided by the Burkle family to People today continued: ‘While the family appreciates the outpouring of love and support, they ask that the privacy of the family be respected during this difficult time. There are no further details at this time.’