NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Saints announced today that longtime owner and Louisiana's richest man, Tom Benson, has died at age 90.
Benson had been hospitalized in February for flu-like symptoms and admitted into the ICU at Ochsner Medical Center. Saints officials say Benson died at Ochsner with wife Gayle at his side.
With his passing it is unclear if the family feud between the Bensons and his daughter, Renee Benson, and her children, Ryan and Rita LeBlanc, will continue. The groups have been fighting both in New Orleans and San Antonio over the billionaire's fortune, businesses and teams – the New Orleans Saints, purchased in 1985, and the New Orleans Pelicans, purchased in 2012.
In 2017, the Bensons purchased a majority stake in local brewing company Dixie Beer and Benson extended his automotive investments by purchasing a Cadillac dealership.
Benson is survived by his third wife, Gayle, daughter Renee, grandchildren, Rita and Ryan, as well as five stepchildren from his first marriage to Grace Benson, and several nieces and nephews.
No funeral plans have been announced at this time.
– by Biz staff writer
