Elizabeth Hurley has paid tribute to her former partner Steve Bing, saying she will remember him as a “sweet, kind man”.
The Hollywood filmmaker, who dated the British model and actress for around 18 months in 2000 and 2001, was found dead in Los Angeles. on Monday.
He was the father to Elizabeth’s 18-year-old son, Damian, and had a daughter with the former professional tennis player Lisa Bonder.
Sharing a gallery of photos of them as a couple on Instagram, Elizabeth 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 also remembered his father on Instagram, writing: “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.”
Former US president Bill Clinton, a friend of the filmmaker, said “he had a big heart, and he was willing to do anything he could for the people and causes he believed in”.
Bing donated money to Mr Clinton and was reportedly instrumental in helping the former president return two American reporters from North Korea in 2009.
In his tribute, Mr Clinton said: “I loved Steve 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.”
Bing was known for his work on movies including Kangaroo Jack, which he co-wrote, and for financing films including The Polar Express, starring Tom Hanks.
The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed it was investigating the death of a man in his 50s in the Century City area of Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles County coroner said a man was pronounced dead at the scene at 1.10pm local time on Monday, and that identification was pending.
Bing is reported to have dropped out of Stanford university as an 18-year-old after he inherited 600 million dollars (about £481 million) from his grandfather, the real estate developer Leo S Bing.
Bing was was the founder of Shangri-La Entertainment, an organisation with interests in property, construction, entertainment and music.