Austrian billionaire businessman, Richard Lugner, has passed away at the age of 91, just two months after marrying his 6th wife, Simone Reiländer, who is 42 years old. Lugner’s death has shocked many in the business and social circles, as he was known for his larger-than-life personality and extravagant lifestyle.
Richard Lugner was a prominent figure in the Austrian business world, having made his fortune in the construction industry.
Despite his wealth and success, Lugner’s personal life was marked by a series of high-profile marriages and divorces. His relationship with Simone Reiländer caught the public’s attention due to their significant age difference, with Lugner being almost five decades older than his new wife. The couple tied the knot in a lavish ceremony attended by friends, family, and well-wishers.
Lugner famously built his Lugner City shopping center in Vienna in 1990, and the complex also shared a tribute to the late businessman.
“Our Engineer Richard Lugner, our mortar and above all our beloved boss has unfortunately left us today,” a caption translated from German read on the center’s Facebook page.
“We can hardly put into words the pain we feel,” the message read. “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 ran twice in the Austrian presidential elections as an independent candidate; once in 1998 and again in 2016, Euro News reported.
His death came shortly after he married Simone Reiländer, 42, which marked his sixth marriage. The pair tied the knot at Vienna City Hall on Saturday, June 1. “It will be the last marriage,” he said of their union, according to local reports.
He was previously married to Christine Gmeiner (1961-1978), Cornelia Laufersweiler (1979-1983), Susanne Dietrich (1984-1989), Christina Lugner (1990-2007), as well as Playboy model and actress Cathy Schmitz (2014-2016).
The entrepreneur, who got his start in the construction industry, leaves behind four children: Jacqueline, Nadine, Alexander, and Andreas.
Richard Lugner’s death at the age of 91 marks the end of an era for the Austrian business community and society at large. His larger-than-life personality, extravagant lifestyle, and colorful personal life have left a lasting impression on those who knew him. As his family, friends, and fans mourn his loss, they will remember Lugner as a visionary entrepreneur, a generous philanthropist, and a charismatic personality who will be greatly missed.
