Texas Renaissance Festival Founder Found Dead at Home Weeks After Court-Ordered Sale of His Event
Authorities say George Coulam, founder of the Texas Renaissance Festival, was found dead in his Todd Mission home on Wednesday, May 21
Earlier this month, a judge ordered the festival be sold following a failed $60 million deal
Coulam founded the Texas Renaissance Festival in 1974George Coulam, founder of the Texas Renaissance Festival, has reportedly been found dead at his home.
Law enforcement officials said the Todd Mission Police Department (TMPD) responded to Coulam's home on Wednesday, May 21, where the 87-year-old Ren Fair founder was found and pronounced dead, according to The Houston Chronicle.
Coulam's body was found around 9 a.m. local time, CBS affiliate KHOU and NBC affiliate KPRC-TV reported.
The Texas Renaissance Festival confirmed Coulam's death in a post on its Facebook page.
'We are deeply saddened by the loss of George Coulam, founder of the Texas Renaissance Festival,' the post read. 'For more than 50 years, he built a community that has become a cherished tradition for generations of performers, staff, and guests.'
'At this time, we ask for respect and privacy for Mr. Coulam's family and the extended Texas Renaissance Festival family as they grieve,' it continued.
The cause of Coulam's death is under investigation. The TMPD said there is no suspected danger to the public, according to the Chronicle.
Todd Mission Mayor Steve Mensing and Police Chief Ryan Rutledge did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.
Known to many as 'King George,' Coulam founded the Ren Fest in 1974, according to KHOU and KPRC-TV.
Earlier this month, a Grimes County judge ordered the festival be sold following a lawsuit, KHOU reported.
The judge also awarded $22 million in damages plus $1 million in legal fees to the plaintiffs, RW Lands, Texas Stargate and Royal Campground.
The judgment was made following the failure of a $60 million deal, according to KPRC-TV.
Anthony Laporte, attorney for Meril Rivard, who owns the companies involved in the lawsuit, said his client was 'reeling' from the news of Coulam's death, per the Chronicle. He called Coulam's death 'a sad loss.'
'Obviously, my client is saddened by the loss of George,' Laporte said. '(Meril Rivard) liked George, he got to know George.'
Rivard said in a statement to the Chronicle that he and his family were 'shocked' by the news.
'Our thoughts go out to his loved ones,' he stated. 'Like everyone else who loves the Texas Renaissance Festival, we remain committed to ensuring that the festival lives on, and we are working steadfastly to make that happen.'
Laporte said the process to complete the transaction for the festival is expected to 'move forward.' He added, 'We have a firm belief and commitment in Ren Fest 2025.'
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The Texas Renaissance Festival typically takes place in October, and lasts for six weeks, according to KHOU.
Some former festival employees previously sued Coulam for sexual harassment and alleged they were wrongfully terminated from their jobs, per the Chronicle. Settlements were reached in June 2019 and June 2021.
Additionally, Coulam was the first mayor of Todd Mission since it was incorporated in 1982, until Mensing was elected earlier this month, according to CBS affiliate KBTX-TV.
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