Steve Bing: Ex-partner of Liz Hurley took his own life, coroner rules
Bing, 55, died as a result of "multiple blunt trauma", a Los Angeles coroner said.
Wednesday 24 June 2020 20:54, UK
Film producer Steve Bing, the ex-partner of Liz Hurley, took his own life, a coroner has ruled.
Bing, 55, was found dead in Century City, Los Angeles, on Monday.
He died as a result of "multiple blunt trauma", the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner's Office said, with TMZ reporting he fell from an apartment building.
The filmmaker and philanthropist took his own life and the case is now closed, the coroner added.
Bing co-wrote 2003 comedy film Kangaroo Jack and invested £64m ($80m) in the 2004 animation The Polar Express starring Tom Hanks. He also helped finance the Rolling Stones concert film Shine A Light.
According to reports, he inherited his $600m (£480m) fortune from his real estate developer grandfather when he was 18 and dropped out of Stanford University to break into Hollywood.
His publicist Michelle Bega told Sky News she was "overwhelmed trying to process this unbelievable and sad event".
Bing was father to Liz Hurley's teenage son Damian, although he denied it until DNA tests proved otherwise.
Hurley, who dated him for 18 months in 2000, paid tribute on Instagram, posting: "I am saddened beyond belief that my ex Steve is no longer with us. It is a terrible end.
"Our time together was very happy and I'm posting these pictures because although we went through some tough times, it's the good, wonderful memories of a sweet, kind man that matter.
"In the past year we had become close again. We last spoke on our son's 18th birthday. This is devastating news and I thank everyone for their lovely messages."
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Damian Hurley, 18, wrote online: "Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone that has reached out following the devastating news.
"I'm trying to reply to as many of you as I can, but please know I will always remember your kindness. This is a very strange and confusing time and I'm immensely grateful to be surrounded by my phenomenal family and friends."
Former US president Bill Clinton was also among those who paid tribute to him, saying he "loved him very much".
He said: "He had a big heart, and he was willing to do anything he could for the people and causes he believed in.
"I will miss him and his enthusiasm more than I can say, and I hope he's finally found peace."
Bing donated money to Mr Clinton and was reportedly instrumental in helping him return two American reporters from North Korea in 2009.
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK