Cause of death revealed for Texas Renaissance Festival founder 'King George'

TODD MISSION, Texas - Grimes County Precinct 3 officials announced the cause of death of Texas Renaissance Festival founder George "King George" Coulam.

Cause of death for Texas Renaissance Festival founder

What we know:

According to the Todd Mission city manager, police were called to Coulam's home at about 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 21. He was found deceased in his home.

Officials with Grimes County Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace Mark Laughlin say Coulam died by suicide.

What we don't know:

No other details are available at this time.

Featured

article

Texas Renaissance Festival founder ‘King George’ dies at Todd Mission home

Texas Renaissance Festival founder George "King George" Coulam has died at his home in Todd Mission, authorities confirm.

Who is King George?

Legal troubles for late founder of Texas Renaissance Festival

Grimes County officials announced the cause of death of Texas Renaissance Festival founder George "King George" Coulam. FOX 26's Caroline Collins lists the issues he was facing before his death.

Dig deeper:

Coulam is the founder and longtime owner of the Texas Renaissance Festival. He started the Texas Renaissance Festival in 1974, and it has grown into the largest of its kind in the United States.

In addition to being the festival's leader, Coulam served as mayor of Todd Mission for more than four decades, but lost the most recent election on May 3.

In 2024, the HBO docuseries "Ren Faire" focused on the festival's succession and Coulam’s eventual retirement, highlighting the tension between his desire to find a romantic partner and his need to choose a successor. It also highlighted Coulam’s strict leadership style.

There have been ongoing legal disputes and potential sales of the festival, with a recent judge's order in early May mandating the sale of Coulam’s properties, including the festival.

Texas Renaissance Festival founder ‘King George’ found dead in his home

*NOTE: This video was uploaded on May 21.* According to the Todd Mission city manager, George "King George" Coulam was pronounced dead in his home on Wednesday. FOX 26's Leslie DelasBour spoke to community members who knew him well.