Billionaire businessman Richard Lugner passed away at his villa in Vienna at the age of 91, just two months after marrying his sixth wife, Simone Reiländer. The Austrian entrepreneur’s death was confirmed by first responders who rushed to his mansion but were unable to revive him. Austrian chancellor Karl Nehammer paid tribute to Lugner, calling him a successful entrepreneur and a “dazzling personality” who was known as an Austrian original.
Lugner made headlines when he married Reiländer, who is 49 years younger than him, in June in front of 50 guests and 30 members of the press. The couple’s marriage was marked by Reiländer’s comments about their wedding night being longer than the wedding day. However, Lugner’s health began to decline shortly after the nuptials, with hospitalizations related to back pain and a ruptured heart valve. Despite these health issues, he had already made funeral arrangements and ordered a tombstone, ensuring his heirs knew what to do.
The entrepreneur revealed that Reiländer had taken over his business operations and was now the “sole boss” of his empire. Lugner’s business career began with the opening of Lugner City, the seventh-largest shopping center in Austria in 1990. He also made unsuccessful attempts to run for Austrian president in 1998 and 2016. Lugner battled cancer throughout his life, undergoing treatments for prostate cancer in 2016 and skin cancer in 2021.
Known for hosting the annual Vienna Opera Ball since 1992, Lugner attracted celebrity guests like Priscilla Presley, Sophia Loren, and more. He was married five times before marrying Reiländer, with whom he had four children. Lugner’s social life was marked by his interactions with celebrities like Kim Kardashian, who he famously took on a “date.” Despite his health struggles and passing, Lugner’s legacy continues through his business empire and the influential events he hosted.
Richard Lugner’s death marks the end of a colorful and successful life as an entrepreneur and high society figure in Austria. From his ambitious business ventures to his extravagant events, Lugner made a lasting impact on those around him. His marriage to Simone Reiländer and her involvement in his business operations reflected his forward-thinking nature, even in his final days. Lugner’s influence will be felt for years to come as his legacy lives on through his family, business empire, and the events he hosted.
