Hugh Hefner, founder of Playboy magazine, died yesterday (September 27), according to a tweet sent out from the magazine’s Twitter account. Hefner was 91.
Playboy Enterprises, Inc. issued a statement detailing the circumstances of Hefner’s passing, saying that he died from natural causes in the Playboy Mansion.
"Hugh M. Hefner, the American icon who in 1953 introduced the world to Playboy magazine and built the company into one of the most recognizable American global brands in history, peacefully passed away today from natural causes at his home, The Playboy Mansion, surrounded by loved ones. He was 91 years old," the statement reads.
Hefner’s son Cooper also released a statement, which reads, via Variety: “My father lived an exceptional and impactful life as a media and cultural pioneer and a leading voice behind some of the most significant social and cultural movements of our time in advocating free speech, civil rights and sexual freedom. He defined a lifestyle and ethos that lie at the heart of the Playboy brand, one of the most recognizable and enduring in history.He will be greatly missed by many, including his wife Crystal, my sister Christie and my brothers David and Marston, and all of us at Playboy Enterprises.”
He is survived by his wife and four children, according to ABC News.
As news spread overnight into Thursday morning, many took to Twitter to pay their respects to the publishing icon.