LIZ HURLEY’S HEARTACHE OVER EX’S TRAGIC DEATH
ACTRESS Liz Hurley yesterday paid tribute to the father of her son after he reportedly took his own life while struggling during lockdown.
Steve Bing, 55, father of Damian Hurley, 18, was found after falling from the 27th floor of a luxury apartment building in Los Angeles.
Along with six photos of her with the filmmaker, Liz wrote on Instagram: “I am saddened beyond belief that my ex Steve is no longer with us. It is a terrible end.
“Our time together was very happy. Although we went through some tough times it’s the good, wonderful memories of a sweet, kind man that matter.
“In the past year we had become close again. We last spoke on our son’s 18th birthday. This is devastating news and I thank everyone for their lovely messages.”
Damian was born in London in April 2002. Although Bing initially denied paternity, a DNA test subsequently confirmed him as his father.
He wrote on Instagram: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone that has reached out following the devastating news.
“I’m trying to reply to as many of you as I can, but please know I will always remember your kindness.
“This is a very strange and confusing time and I’m immensely grateful to be surrounded by my phenomenal family and friends.”
Liz, 55, was joined by Bill Clinton in paying tribute.
The former US President tweeted: “I loved Steve Bing very much. He had a big heart and he was willing to do anything he could for the people and causes he believed in.
“I will miss him and his enthusiasm more than I can say, and I hope he’s finally found peace.”
The multimillionaire real-estate heir was found at the base of a luxury apartment building in Century City, California, on Monday. Police said they are not treating the philanthropist’s death as suspicious.
Sources close to the producer say he had grown depressed in recent months over a lack of contact during the coronavirus quarantine. Liz grew closer to her ex again last year after Bing took on his father who was attempting to cut Damian out of the family fortune. His death leaves Damian and his older half-sister Kira heirs to their father’s £482million estate.
Just half of his fortune would see the 18-year-old become the richest teenager in the world in terms of ready assets. Other children, such as billionaire Bill Gates’ daughter Phoebe, have more to inherit but she will not gain her wealth until her parents die.
Although the filmmaker was said to have never met his son in person he ensured Damian was entitled to his and his family’s vast assets.
Last year Damian’s grandfather, Dr Peter Bing, had tried to prevent the 18-year-old from gaining access to the family fortune. He said he did not consider him a relation as he was born out of wedlock. But last July an LA judge ruled Damian and his half-sister Kira Kerkorian were beneficiaries of a family trust.
The issue came to a head after Kira demanded information on the trust, claiming she was a beneficiary. The 20-year-old was born to Bing and tennis player Lisa Bonder, 54.
Bing received much of his wealth aged 18 from his grandfather Leo S Bing, who had made his fortune in New York real estate in the 1920s.
Bing wrote the 2003 film Kangaroo Jack. As an investor he was pivotal in bringing Tom Hanks’ Polar Express to life.