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Billionaire Getty heir died at Hotel Emma of accidental fentanyl overdose, officials say

Heart conditions also factored into the death of John Gilbert Getty in November

American industrialist J. Paul Getty (1892 - 1976) at Sutton Place, his Tudor manor house in Surrey, 1967. (Photo by David Farrell/Getty Images) (David Farrell, 2010 David Farrell)

SAN ANTONIO – A billionaire heir was found unresponsive at Hotel Emma on November 20 and officials with the Bexar County Medical Examiners office have officially determined the cause of his death.

John Gilbert Getty died of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, combined with cardiomyopathy which was complicated by fentanyl toxicity, officials confirmed to KSAT Wednesday. No foul play is suspected in his death.

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Officials with the BCME also confirmed that Getty was found at 136 E. Grayson Street, the location of one of San Antonio’s most historic hotels - the Hotel Emma.

Getty, 52, was the grandson of oil tycoon J. Paul Getty. The family’s estimated net worth, according to Forbes was $5.4 billion as of July 2015.

A family spokesperson released a statement to People at the time of Getty’s death that said, “With a heavy heart, Gordon Getty announces the death of his son, John Gilbert Getty. John leaves behind his daughter, Ivy Getty, whom he loved beyond measure, and his brothers Peter and Billy. His brother, Andrew, predeceased John. John’s mother, Ann Gilbert Getty, passed this September.”

Andrew Getty died of meth intoxication in 2015 and Ann died from a heart attack two months prior to John, TMZ reported.

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About the Author
Mary Claire Patton headshot

Mary Claire Patton has been a journalist with KSAT 12 since 2015. She has reported on several high-profile stories during her career at KSAT and specializes in trending news and things to do around Texas and San Antonio.

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