Howard Hughes was a wealthy American businessman, investor, aviator, aerospace engineer, and philanthropist. He was also known for his eccentric behavior and reclusive lifestyle. When he died in 1976, he left behind an estate worth more than $2.5 billion. The question is, who got Howard Hughes money when he died?
The Will
Howard Hughes had a will, but it was not clear and concise. It was handwritten and had many contradictions and discrepancies. The will left the majority of his estate to the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, a charity he had established. However, there were several challenges to the will, and it took years to settle the estate.
The Family
Howard Hughes had no children and was not married at the time of his death. He did, however, have family members who were interested in his estate. His closest living relatives were his cousins, William Lummis and Stuart Hughes. They filed a claim to the estate, saying that the will was not valid.
The Lawyers
Howard Hughes had several lawyers who were involved in his estate. They were the ones who drafted the will, and they were also the ones who defended it in court. The lawyers received a significant portion of the estate for their services.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute was the main beneficiary of Howard Hughes' estate. The charity was established by Hughes in 1953 to support medical research. The charity received about $1.56 billion from the estate.
The Melvin Dummar Claim
Melvin Dummar was a gas station attendant who claimed that Howard Hughes had left him a handwritten will that left him $156 million. However, the will was dismissed as a forgery, and Dummar did not receive any money from the estate.
The Summa Corporation
The Summa Corporation was a conglomerate that Howard Hughes had established. The corporation received a significant portion of the estate, including several casinos and hotels.
The Hughes Aircraft Company
The Hughes Aircraft Company was a defense contractor that Howard Hughes had founded. The company received a significant portion of the estate, including several patents and intellectual property.
The Hughes Tool Company
The Hughes Tool Company was a drilling equipment manufacturer that Howard Hughes had inherited from his father. The company received a significant portion of the estate, including several patents and intellectual property.
The Daniel K. Ludwig Claim
Daniel K. Ludwig was a shipping magnate who claimed that Howard Hughes had promised him a portion of the estate. However, the claim was dismissed, and Ludwig did not receive any money from the estate.
The Mormons
Howard Hughes had a fascination with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the Mormons. He had donated money to the church in the past, and there were rumors that he had left a portion of his estate to the church. However, these rumors were never confirmed.
The Final Settlement
It took several years to settle Howard Hughes' estate. In the end, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute received the majority of the estate, and the rest was divided among the Summa Corporation, the Hughes Aircraft Company, and the Hughes Tool Company.
The Legacy of Howard Hughes
Howard Hughes' legacy lives on today, not only in the companies he founded but also in the popular culture. He has been the subject of numerous books, movies, and TV shows, and his life and eccentricities continue to fascinate people.
Conclusion
Howard Hughes was a wealthy and influential man, and his estate was a subject of much controversy after his death. While several people and organizations claimed a piece of the pie, the majority of the estate went to the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. His legacy continues to live on today, and his story is a testament to the power of wealth and influence.