According to multiple sources, David Koch, one-half of the two richest Koch brothers has died at 79. His brother Charles released a statement:
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my brother David. Anyone who worked with David surely experienced his giant personality and passion for life. David liked to say that a combination of brilliant doctors, state-of-the-art medications and his own stubbornness kept the cancer at bay. We can all be grateful that it did because he was able to touch so many more lives as a result. While we mourn the loss of our hero, we remember his iconic laughter, insatiable curiosity, and gentle heart. His stories of childhood adventures enlivened our family dinners; his endless knowledge rendered him our ‘walking Google.’ His sensitive heart had him shed a tear at the beauty of his daughter’s ballet, and beam with pride when his son beat him at chess. We will miss the fifth link in our family.”
The Koch brothers, while they had done much work for conservative causes over the years, had recently teamed up with George Soros to launch an “anti-interventionist think tank.” Soros has generally backed Democrat candidates and has poured money into Pennslyvania races this year, starting a new PAC there.
The New York Times went with an interesting headline, calling him an “Industrialist who fueled Right-Wing Movement.” They also said he “helped reshape American politics with their money-fueled brand of libertarianism.”
SEE TWEET FROM @nytimes BELOW:
Breaking News: The billionaire David Koch, who with his brother helped reshape American politics with their money-fueled brand of libertarianism, has died at 79 https://t.co/a0I6fCLhxn
— The New York Times (@nytimes) August 23, 2019