Liverpool’s former co-owner Tom Hicks has died at the age of 79.
Hicks and business partner George Gillett spent three-and-a-half years at the Anfield helm after acquiring the Moores’ family shares in February 2007.
But the leveraged buyout led to a turbulent period beset by controversies and financial troubles which pushed the Reds to the brink of administration.
Hicks and Gillett were later forced to sell the sum of the club’s £300 million debts to current owners Fenway Sports Group in a 2010 High Court ruling.
The American, who also previously owned baseball franchise Texas Rangers and ice hockey team Dallas Stars, described the move as an ‘epic swindle’.
In 2019, he claimed that he felt ‘betrayed’ by supporters who had mobilised in attempting to apply pressure to see his and Gillett’s ruinous reign ended.
Hicks’ spokesperson Lisa Le Master confirmed that he passed away peacefully in Dallas on Saturday surrounded by his family.
“Of everything he accomplished in his remarkable life, Tom Hicks’s most cherished title was, ‘Dad’,” read a family statement.
“No matter the trials and tribulations he faced in life, he was constant in his generosity and love for his family.
“He remains a guiding force for our family, and we are deeply honoured to continue expanding his legacy.
“Although we are devastated by this loss, we are profoundly grateful to have been his children.”