J. Paul Getty III Ruined by Money, Died at Age 54

John Paul Getty of Getty Oil was said to be one of the world’s first billionaires. This made him and his family a target, and his grandson, J. Paul Getty III, was kidnapped in Rome in 1973 at age 16. John Paul Getty refused to pay the $17 million ransom until a Rome newspaper received his grandson’s ear in the mail. J. Paul Getty III was released after five months for $2.7 million.

J. Paul Getty III enthusiastically embraced a life of alcohol, drugs, and parties after his release. He suffered a drug-related stroke in his twenties that left him paralyzed and unable to speak. He became remembered as a hippie drug casualty while his family became known for philanthropy and the arts. 

J. Paul Getty III had been sick for some time and recently died at age 54, leaving behind two children and six grandchildren.

See Gregory Katz and Cassandra Vinograd, Troubled Grandson of J. Paul Getty Dies at 54, The A.P., Feb. 8, 2011.

Special thanks to David S. Luber (Attorney at law, Florida Probate Attorney Wills and Estates Law Firm) for bringing this article to my attention.