David Koch Dead - Conservative Billionaire Philanthropist Dies at 79

David Koch has died.

The conservative billionaire philanthropist died at the age of 79, a family spokesperson confirmed to CBS News on Friday (August 23).

He had previously stepped down from Koch Industries and his political network Americans for Prosperity Foundation due to declining health in 2018.

His brother Charles Koch confirmed the news in a statement to NBC: “It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my brother David. Anyone who worked with David surely experienced his giant personality and passion for life.”

David and Charles rank as the 11th richest in the world, according to Forbes.

The Koch brothers built their massive conservative network of donors for organizations “that work to mobilize voters to sway elected officials in support of libertarian-leaning economic policies,” according to NBC.

David previously donated to institutions including the Lincoln Center, and gave $65 million to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.