Grandson of Getty oil founder found dead in Los Angeles

(Reuters) - The grandson of billionaire Getty oil founder J. Paul Getty was found dead on Tuesday afternoon at his home in Los Angeles, the family said in a statement.

Andrew Getty's parents, Ann and Gordon, confirmed the 47-year-old's death and requested privacy for the family during "this extremely difficult time" and that further details would be released as they became available.

Los Angeles Police Department spokesman Commander Andrew Smith said it was very early in the investigation and witnesses were being questioned, but no one was in custody.

"At first glance, it does not appear to be a criminal type of act. But that could change," Smith said on Tuesday night.

The cause of Andrew Getty's death was not immediately clear.  Getty's grandfather, J. Paul Getty, merged several smaller oil companies into Getty Oil in the 1960s. 

At one time one of America's richest men, he was also an avid art collector who established the trust that funds the J. Paul Getty Museum and several other institutions.   Read More at Grandson of Getty 

Grandson of Getty oil founder found dead in Los Angeles

Andrew Getty's death does not appear to involve foul play, authorities sa - latimes