Los Angeles, California (Agencies): A house fire in the Hollywood Hills has reportedly claimed the life of an elderly member of the Rothschild banking dynasty, local media outlets reported on Wednesday.
The blaze broke out at a property on Lookout Mountain Avenue, requiring 45 firefighters over 30 minutes to extinguish it, according to KABC-TV, ABC’s flagship broadcaster on the West Coast. After the flames were subdued, the body of a man was discovered inside the charred remains of the house.
While authorities have not yet confirmed the victim’s identity, neighbors told reporters the deceased was Will Rothschild, a member of the prominent and wealthy Rothschild family. Rothschild was described by locals as “an eccentric millionaire – or even billionaire – with multiple properties and dozens of luxury cars,” who had reportedly lived a reclusive life in the small house, which neighbors claimed was cluttered in the manner of a hoarder.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, and it remains unclear whether the victim perished before or during the blaze. “Given the fire damage, it is kind of hard to determine how much of that was prior to the fire and how much of it is [from the fire],” said Los Angeles Fire Department Battalion Commander Adam Knabe.
Neighbors expressed sadness over the incident. One called Rothschild “a good guy, a good neighbor,” despite his unconventional lifestyle.
The Rothschild family, known as one of history’s most influential financial dynasties, rose to prominence in the 19th century, shaping global economics and politics through banking. The family’s immense wealth and storied legacy have made them a subject of fascination and intrigue for generations.
No other injuries or fatalities were reported in the incident. Investigators continue to work to determine the cause of the fire1.