How Did Andrew Burkle Die? Billionaire Son Found Dead In His Apartment
This is so heartbreaking.
getty This is such a tragic situation. On January 6, 2020, 27-year-old Andrew Burkle (the son of Pittsburgh Penguins co-owner Ron Burkle) was found dead in his Beverly Hills apartment.
So far, it sounds like his death was totally unexpected, and his family is still attempting to put the pieces together.
So how did Andrew Burkle die? Authorities are still investigating, but here's everything we know about what happened so far, including the recent memorial concert organized in his memory.
1. Burkle owned his own production company.
Burkle was an aspiring film producer, and along with friend, Andrew Alter owned the production company In Good Company Films. Although it seems his career was just getting started, he produced movies including The Juiceman and Airplane Mode, which stars Chloe Bridges and Mikaela Hoover.
Since his death, it seems Burkle's Instagram account has been made private, and not much other information is out there about who he was and what he loved to do, although it certainly makes sense that he was passionate about the film industry.
2. Burkle's father, Ron, is well-known in the hockey community.
Ron Burkle is a co-owner of the Pittsburgh Penguins National Hockey League team, and is known for being laidback and low-key, despite his financial success. Reportedly, his net worth is estimated to be around $1.6 billion.
He made his billions by co-founding the Yucaipa Companies, a venture capital firm that claims to have "completed mergers and acquisitions valued at more than $30 billion." Earlier this year, news broke that Ron was continuing his lawsuit against the Weinstein Company for being defrauded when the company sold its assets.
3. But how did Andrew Burkle die? The news was first reported in January 2020.
The Beverly Hills Police office confirmed that they were called to Burkle's home on the night of January 6, where first responders "determined the male was deceased."
It seems that his father came to the home while authorities were there, but the police did not share any further information, other than the fact that it seemed Burkle had been dead since early in the day, though he wasn't found until much later.
4. His family released an official statement on his passing.
However, they did not share any personal details — or any other intel that they or the police may have had — at the time.
“It is with the deepest regret and sadness that we announce the death of Andrew C. Burkle on January 6, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California. He is deeply loved by his family and friends and will be greatly missed," said the statement. "Andrew was known as a young man full of life and entrepreneurial energy. Everyone he met commented on his humble demeanor and hard work. While the family appreciates the outpouring of love and support, they ask that the privacy of the family be respected during this difficult time. There are no further details at this time.”
5. So far, Burkle's cause of death has not been confirmed.
There are no answers as to what may have caused Burkle's death, but it sounds like authorities are still looking for answers. In fact, the coroner confirmed that an investigation into the situation is ongoing.
“Andrew Charles Burkle (DOB: 10/27/93) was found unresponsive in his Beverly Hills home on Jan. 6. Authorities were called and Burkle was pronounced dead at the scene at 19:31 hours. An examination is pending," said a statement from the coroner's office.
6. His family has shared their memories of him on social media.
Burkle's brother, John, shared these photos of himself with Burkle, along with a heartfelt caption.
"It is with the heaviest of hearts and sadness that I say goodbye to my little brother for the last time. Andrew was a bright soul, a kind and giving young man who was taken from us too early," he wrote, adding, "This young man changed my life from the moment he came into this world. He’ll be remembered as a giant among men for all eternity. I love you brother, forever and always."
Burkle's official cause of death may remain a mystery, but it seems he will never be forgotten by those who loved him.
7. A memorial concert was held for Burkle in February 2020.
Recently, a memorial was held for Burkle in Los Angeles. Skateboarder Tony Hawk was the event's organizer and posted a message about Burkle to his Instagram.
He wrote, "Today we celebrated the life of Andrew Burkle. He was a beloved son, friend and brother to the lucky ones that surrounded him. Because of him, @tonyhawkfoundation had landmark fundraising events in Beverly Hills for 10 years in a row and I am forever grateful for his support in our mission. Thank you to the Burkle family for including us in your celebration of Andrew. His passion for life was contagious, and his spirit lives on through our work. A perfect example of Andrew's magnetism was displayed this afternoon when this all-star lineup came together to perform Iggy Pop and GANG OF FOUR (and RHCP) songs in his honor. Thank you Andrew, we will miss you beyond words."
The memorial concert included performances by The Red Hot Chili Peppers, who appeared on stage with their guitarist John Frusciante for the first time in over 12 years! Though it's a sad time for Burkle's friends and families, hopefully the concert brought them some relief.
Nicole Pomarico is an entertainment and lifestyle writer whose work has appeared in Cosmo, Us Weekly, Refinery29, and more.