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Tom Hicks, the former co-owner of Liverpool Football Club, has passed away at the age of 79.
Hicks acquired a 50 percent stake in Liverpool in 2007 alongside business partner George Gillett, but following a deeply controversial period at the helm, they were compelled to sell the Reds to John Henry and Fenway Sports Group (FSG) in 2010, amid growing concerns about the club's financial stability and the threat of administration.
His spokesperson, Lisa Le Master, confirmed that Hicks, who also owned ice hockey team the Dallas Stars between 1995 and 2011 and baseball's Texas Rangers between 1998 and 2010, passed away peacefully surrounded by family in Dallas on Saturday.
Hicks is survived by his wife of 35 years, Cinda Cree Hicks, and his six children - Thomas 'Tommy' Ollis Hicks Jr. - who briefly sat on the Liverpool board before an undignified exit - Mack Hardin Hicks, John Alexander Hicks, Robert Bradley Hicks, William Cree Hicks, and Catherine Forgrave Hicks.
His family released a statement, saying: "Of everything he accomplished in his remarkable life, Tom Hicks’s most cherished title was, 'Dad.' No matter the trials and tribulations he faced in life, he was constant in his generosity and love for his family.
"He remains a guiding force for our family, and we are deeply honored to continue expanding his legacy. Although we are devastated by this loss, we are profoundly grateful to have been his children."
Tommy also posted on X to pay tribute to his dad. He wrote: "Saddened to say that my hero, may dad, Tom Hicks went to spend eternity with the Lord. He loved our Republic. God Bless."
Donald Trump Jr., the son of the United States President, replied to Tommy: "Tom Hicks Sr. was a great American, an incredible businessman, and a great guy. He will be truly missed. R.I.P."
Hicks' co-ownership of Liverpool was one of the club's most unsuccessful periods in modern history.
Hicks and Gillett completed their takeover of the Merseyside club in February 2007. Rafa Benitez led the team to the Champions League final that season, losing to AC Milan, and a third-placed finish in the Premier League.
The Reds also enjoyed a decent campaign the following year, finishing fourth in the Premier League and reaching the semifinals of the Champions League, where they lost to Chelsea.
Benitez's players pushed Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United close to the Premier League title during the 2008-09 season, but they ultimately finished second.
Things started to unravel after that, with Xabi Alonso being sold to Real Madrid during the summer of 2009 before a seventh-placed finish in the Premier League during the 2009-10 season. More key players, including Javier Mascherano, were sold after that.
When Hicks and Gillett eventually left Anfield in October 2010, the Reds were in the Premier League's relegation zone. They failed to bring silverware to Anfield during their time in charge.
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