Elizabeth Hurley has paid tribute to the father of her teenage son and ex-partner Steve Bing, who has died at the age of 55.
Sharing a number of photos of them on Instagram, Hurley said she was “saddened beyond belief” after the film producer was found dead in LA, adding: “It is a terrible end.”
Bing, who co-wrote 2003 comedy film Kangaroo Jack and financed The Polar Express starring Tom Hanks, died after falling from an apartment building, TMZ reported.
Hurley wrote: “I am saddened beyond belief that my ex Steve is no longer with us. 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.
“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.”
Damian Hurley, the son of Hurley and Bing, wrote on Instagram: “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.”
Bing initially denied he was Damian’s biological father until DNA tests proved otherwise.
July 2001: Hurley and Bing dated for around 18 months
Former US president Bill Clinton also offered his tributes, saying he loved his friend Bing “very much”.
“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.”
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Bing donated money to Mr Clinton and was reportedly instrumental in helping him return two American reporters from North Korea in 2009.
Bing’s publicist Michelle Bega told Sky News she was “overwhelmed trying to process this unbelievable and sad event”.
According to reports, he inherited $600m (£480m) from his grandfather, a real estate developer, when he was 18 and dropped out of Stanford University to break into Hollywood.
November 2016: Damian Hurley is the son of Bing
He was said to have invested $80m (£64m) in The Polar Express, as well as financing Robert Zemeckis’s Beowulf and the Rolling Stones concert film Shine A Light.
According to IMDB, Bing was also a producer on the 2000 remake of Get Carter starring Sylvester Stallone and Warren Beatty’s 2016 film Rules Don’t Apply.
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.
