Texas billionaire Tom Hicks, who owned a Premier League soccer club and two professional sports teams in Dallas, has died at age 79, his company said.
Hicks died surrounded by family in Dallas on Saturday, according to a statement released by Hicks Holdings LLC.
The 79-year-old philanthropist owned the NHL's Dallas Stars from 1995 to 2011, during which time the team won the 1999 Stanley Cup. He also owned an MLB club. Texas Rangers from 1998 to 2010, and in his last year with the team, the club reached the World Series.
However, his activities at Liverpool were much more hectic than his ventures in the United States. Hicks acquired a 50% stake in Liverpool in 2007 with George Gillett. Hicks and Gillett were unpopular with Liverpool fans as questions were raised about their leadership and financial management. eventually forced to sell the club at Fenway Sports Group in 2010, ushering in an era of success for the Reds.
Liverpool paid tribute to Hicks on Sunday. “LFC extends its condolences to the Hicks family and Tom's friends at this difficult time,” the club said in a statement.
Jerry Jones, owner of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, called Hicks a “champion of sports.”
“Tom was a dear friend and a great partner. He dreamed big, and I will always appreciate him bringing the Stanley Cup here to Dallas,” Jones said in a statement. “The fans could feel the heartbeat of our teams and our community together… We traveled many miles together and I will miss him dearly. My heart goes out to his family.”
Hicks is survived by his wife of 35 years, Cinda Cree Hicks, six children and 14 grandchildren.
His family said in a statement that of all of Hicks' accomplishments, his “most cherished title was 'Dad.' Regardless of the trials and tribulations he faced in life, he was consistent in his generosity and love for his family.”
