Ronald Ilitch Of Wealthy Detroit Ilitch Family Found Dead In Troy Marriott

Ron Ilitch, one of seven adult children of the Ilitch family, (Little Caesars pizza, MotorCity Casino Hotel and ownership of the Detroit Tigers and Red Wings,) was found dead in a room at the Troy Marriott on Big Beaver Friday. He was 61.

Ilitch, the son of Mike and Marian Ilitch, was found lifeless which prompted a death investigation involving a suspected overdose.

The family’s statement, issued about 5:15 p.m., followed news reports of his death.

“On behalf of my mother Marian Ilitch and our entire family, I want to express our sadness and grief at Ron’s passing,” Christopher Ilitch, president and CEO of Ilitch Holdings, said in the statement. “We’re devastated about this loss, and we ask for respect of the family’s privacy during this difficult time.” source

Ron Ilitch had a history of personal struggles and run-ins with the law, including a 2014 misdemeanor cocaine conviction. He was not involved in running the family’s many businesses.

His dad, Mike Ilitch, died Feb. 10, 2017, at 87 years old.