Tom Hicks, the American businessman whose ownership of Liverpool FC alongside George Gillett became one of the most contentious periods in the club's modern history, has died at the age of 79.
A spokesman confirmed that Mr Hicks passed away peacefully on Saturday in Dallas, with his family by his side.
The Texas-based investor held a 50 per cent stake in the Anfield club from 2007 until 2010, a turbulent three-year spell marked by boardroom dysfunction and supporter unrest.
His time at Liverpool ended when the Royal Bank of Scotland, the club's primary creditor, forced through a sale to New England Sports Ventures, now known as Fenway Sports Group, to prevent the club from entering administration.
Beyond his Liverpool involvement, Hicks built a formidable reputation in American professional sports.
He owned the NHL's Dallas Stars for 16 years from 1995, guiding the franchise to Stanley Cup glory in 1999.
His ownership of baseball's Texas Rangers spanned from 1998 to 2010, during which the team claimed three American West Division titles and reached the World Series.
Mr Hicks was also a transformative figure in the financial world, co-founding Hicks & Haas in 1984 before establishing Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst five years later.
Tom Hicks has died at the age of 79
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Fellow Texas businessman Ross Perot Jr paid tribute, stating: "Tom Hicks was an innovative businessman and a pioneer in private equity. He combined his commitment to business and sports through his ownership of the Stars and the Rangers."
His tenure at Anfield was characterised by frequent boardroom disputes and public clashes with then-chief executive Rick Parry and manager Rafa Benítez.
Mr Hicks pledged to construct a new stadium at Stanley Park, but the project never came to fruition, sparking widespread anger among supporters and triggering numerous protests.
In October 2010, celebrity fans released a video entitled "Dear Mr Hicks" outlining their reasons for wanting him removed from the club.
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Tom Hicks was the American businessman whose ownership of Liverpool FC, alongside George Gillett, became one of the most contentious periods in the club's modern history
|PA
Speaking to Sky Sports in 2019, Mr Hicks reflected on his Liverpool experience and placed significant blame on his business partner.
"The biggest problem I had was I picked the wrong partner. I should've known better," he said. "So why would I then go and do a 50-50 deal with the guy? Well shame on me!"
Mr Hicks served as a paratrooper in the Army Reserves and held the position of Commissioner of the American Battle Monuments Commission, while also sitting on the University of Texas's Board of Regents from 1994 to 1999.
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones offered a personal tribute.
A spokesperson confirmed that Hicks passed away peacefully on Saturday in Dallas
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He said: "Being shoulder to shoulder with him was always about more than ballparks and stadiums, though.
"It was about personal respect, trust and friendship. We shared a lot of miles together, and I'll miss him greatly."
Mr Hicks is survived by his wife of 35 years, Cinda Cree Hicks, and six children.
His children released a joint statement describing their father's legacy: "Of everything he accomplished in his remarkable life, Tom Hicks's most cherished title was, 'Dad'. Although we are devastated by this loss, we are profoundly grateful to have been his children."
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