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Shock waves rippled around the globe this morning as it was revealed that philanthropist, financier and screenwriter Steve Bing has passed away at the age of 55. He was found dead at his luxury apartment building in Century City, California. And among those to pay tribute to him immediately was his ex-love, and mother of his son Damian, Elizabeth Hurley .
“I am saddened beyond belief that my ex Steve is no longer with us.” The model and actress wrote alongside various photos of the couple together on Instagram. “It is a terrible end. Our time together was very happy and I’m posting these pictures because although we went through some tough times, it’s the good, wonderful memories of a sweet, kind man that matter,” she continued. The two were an item between 2000 and 2001 when Elizabeth announced that she was expecting his child. After the paternity case was settled, the two had very little contact until just recently.
“In the past year we had become close again. We last spoke on our son’s 18th birthday. This is devastating news and I thank everyone for their lovely messages,” was the heart-breaking end of Elizabeth’s post. Son Damian also published some words on Instagram, alongside a beautiful photo of a sunset: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone that has reached out following the devastating news. I’m trying to reply to as many of you as I can, but please know I will always remember your kindness. This is a very strange and confusing time and I’m immensely grateful to be surrounded by my phenomenal family and friends.”
Former President Bill Clinton also shared words about Steve, writing on Twitter: “I loved Steve Bing very much,” tweeted Clinton. ”He had a big heart, and he was willing to do anything he could for the people and causes he believed in. I will miss him and his enthusiasm more than I can say, and I hope he’s finally found peace.” In April 2012, Bing committed to join the Giving Pledge , set up by Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, and donated most of his wealth to the charity. Steve had inherited an estimated $600 million at the age of 18 from his grandfather, Leo S. Bing, a real estate developer who had made his fortune in New York in the 1920s.