Did Billionaire Sam Zell pass away?

Real estate billionaire, Sam Zell has passed away. He was reported dead by his company, the Equity Group Investments. He died due to complications from a recent illness. He was 81.

“Sam Zell was a self-made, visionary entrepreneur. He launched and grew hundreds of companies during his 60-plus-year career and created countless jobs. Although his investments spanned industries across the globe, he was most widely recognized for his critical role un creating the modern real estate investment trust, which today is more than $4 trillion industry,” the company said in a statement.

So many admirers of the legendry investor have sent their condolences via social media.

“A moment of silence for a guru, mentor, and friend Sam Zell. Zell’s legacy will last for generations. Sam was more than a famed investor, he enjoyed educating the industry and newcomers alike on how to succeed,” Jonathan Litt.

“Today we lost a mensch Sam Zell. He was a man of great integrity, trust, wisdom, and was never afraid to speak his mind or wear what he wanted to. He was world class entrepreneur and friend. He never wanted the spotlight and always did what was right,” Ben Pouladian.