George Coulam, the controversial founder of the Texas Renaissance Festival, was found dead Wednesday at his home in Todd Mission. He was 87. Authorities are investigating the cause of death.
George Coulam, the founder of the Texas Renaissance Festival and a prominent, albeit contentious, figure in the state's arts and culture landscape, was discovered deceased on Wednesday morning at his home in Todd Mission. The individual in question was 87 years old.
At 9:05 a.m., the Todd Mission Police Department responded to a call at Coulam’s residence, with support from officers of the Grimes County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Rangers.
Authorities confirmed that Coulam, a resident near the festival grounds, was declared deceased at the scene. Three agencies are currently investigating the cause of death.
Officials from the Texas Renaissance Festival expressed their profound sadness over George Coulam's passing in a recent Facebook post. For over five decades, he has cultivated a community that has evolved into a beloved tradition for countless performers, staff, and guests.
The statement further requested privacy for Coulam’s family and the wider festival community during this time of mourning.
Coulam's recent passing follows a ruling by a Grimes County judge, who mandated the sale of the Texas Renaissance Festival property and imposed over $23 million in damages linked to a failed sale agreement.
On May 7, Judge Gary W. Chaney ruled that Coulam and his company could not meet the contract terms with Meril Rivard, who had consented to acquiring the festival's assets and adjacent land. A court ruling revealed that Coulam’s company failed to provide essential documents and unexpectedly terminated the sale in April 2023.
Despite criticism in recent years, including concerns over the festival’s operations and a legal dispute, Coulam remained a pivotal figure in one of the nation’s largest Renaissance-themed festivals. His sudden death now ushers in an uncertain chapter for this longstanding legacy.
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