Conservative billionaire David Kochwho became a household name through the policy and political empire he created with his older brother, Charleshas died at 79, media outlets reported.
David retired from the conglomerate Koch Industries and the Koch political operations last year, citing health reasons. His health was reportedly in decline over the past few weeks, CNN.com reported.
The brothers were deeply involved in philanthropy and politics, often angering Democrats by starting foundations and political groups to spread their policies. David was the Libertarian Party's vice-presidential candidate for the 1980 presidential election.
Forbes stated that David's net worth at more than $42 billion.