Eccentric Billionaire Richard Lugner Dies at 91

Richard Lugner, the Austrian billionaire renowned for his lavish parties at the Vienna Opera Ball, has passed away at the age of 91. According to Agence France-Presse, Lugner died on August 12th, a Monday, after facing multiple health issues in recent times.

In the wake of Lugner’s death, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to honor the late entrepreneur. “Richard Lugner was a successful entrepreneur and a dazzling personality. An Austrian original who never lost his way,” Nehammer wrote, concluding with, “May he rest in peace!”

Lugner made significant contributions to Vienna’s architectural landscape, most notably through the construction of the Lugner City shopping center in 1990. The shopping center also paid homage to Lugner on their Facebook page. “Our Engineer Richard Lugner, our mortar and above all our beloved boss has unfortunately left us today,” read a translated caption. They added, “We can hardly put into words the pain we feel. The grief is indescribably great, but we want to reflect on all the beautiful and great times together. With a laughing and a crying eye we say goodbye to the great Richard Lugner, in our hearts he will stay forever!”

Lugner’s passing came only two months after marrying his sixth wife, Simone Reiländer, who is 42 years old. The couple tied the knot at Vienna City Hall on June 1st. Despite his age, Lugner expressed optimism about their union, stating, “It will be the last marriage,” according to local reports.

Richard Lugner leaves behind four children: Jacqueline, Nadine, Alexander, and Andreas. As people remember him, his family and friends reflect on the indelible mark he left behind, both as a businessman and a larger-than-life character in Austrian society.

Source: Agence France-Presse