News

Missing Oil Tycoon

Posted: 4:30 PM Jun 22, 2012
Reporter: Associated Press

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) -- Police are searching for clues after an oil tycoon disappeared during a boat trip in Fort Lauderdale.

Guma Aguiar's fishing boat washed ashore with the engine running Tuesday night. His wallet and phone were on the boat, but Aguiar was nowhere to be found. Authorities suspended their search for him Thursday.

Aguiar made a fortune in 2006 when the Texas-based energy company he ran with his uncle was sold for a reported $2.5 billion, but he's been locked in a legal battle with his uncle for several years.

He is known for his philanthropy and his sometimes erratic behavior as he struggled with mental illness.

Aguiar has given millions to Israeli and Jewish causes, and his $4 million investment saved an Israeli Premier League soccer team a few years ago.