Billionaire Financier Thomas H. Lee's Cause of Death Ruled a Suicide by NYC Medical Examiner
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Billionaire financier Thomas H. Lee died by suicide, PEOPLE confirms.
The 78-year-old businessman was pronounced dead at his 5th Avenue office building in New York on Thursday.
On Friday, the New York City Medical Examiner's office confirmed to PEOPLE that the financier died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
His cause of death has officially been declared a suicide, a spokesperson tells PEOPLE.
The father of five was married to Anne Tenenbaum for 27 years and known both for his business savvy and philanthropy.
RELATED: Billionaire Financier Thomas H. Lee Found Dead at 78
Friend Michael Sitrick confirmed his death on behalf of Lee's family Thursday, remembering him as someone who "put other's needs before your own.
"While the world knew him as one of the pioneers in the private equity business and a successful businessman, we knew him as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, sibling, friend and philanthropist who always put others' needs before his own," said Sitrick in a statement to the BBC.
His career dates back to 1974 when he ran the Boston-based firm Thomas H. Lee Partners, according to Chicago Business, and helped invest $12 billion, leading to his formation of the New York-based firm Lee Equity Partners.
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As of 2020, he had invested a total of $15 billion with Forbes adding that he was worth $2 billion when he died.
He notably donated $22 million to his alma mater, Harvard University, in 1996.
"I've been lucky to make some money. I'm more than happy to give some of it back," said Lee of his donation, according to BBC. A portion of the funds was used to help students get financial aid, the outlet added.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.
