Tycoon’s Grandson Dies, T. Boone Pickens’ Family Mourns TCU Student

T. Boone Pickens’ family learned this week that the tycoon’s grandson had died, and the young man’s death is currently under investigation.

The tycoon’s grandson, Thomas Boone Pickens IV, 21, was pronounced dead at a hospital on Tuesday, Texas Christian University officials confirmed. The younger Pickens had been driven to the facility in a “private vehicle,” meaning no ambulance had been called, but, as of now, little is known about the college student’s death or the events leading up to it.

Authorities say the tycoon’s grandson’s death sparked an investigation, and the case is being examined to determine the circumstances under which Thomas Boone Pickens IV died.

Following news of his death, TCU released a statement saying:

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of this member of our community, and our hearts and thoughts are with Ty’s family at this time. Staff members are available if students need to speak with someone about this sad news.”

Police say that, before the tycoon’s grandson died, he was confirmed to be at an address “north of campus,” but little else has been disclosed about the hours before he died.

Jay Rosser, a spokesman for T. Boone Pickens, said the unexpected passing of the tycoon’s grandson was an “unspeakable family tragedy,” and said in a statement:

“We mourn his passing and respectfully request that the family be allowed to grieve in private.”

Prior to his passing, Thomas Boone Pickens IV had majored at TCU in strategic communications and was a junior at the school. Police confirmed to press that prior to Pickens’ arrival at the hospital, a report was received of a “dead person at an off-campus location around 9:30 AM Tuesday.”