Texas Renaissance Festival Founder Mysteriously Found Dead

They say that you can't die of a broken heart, but that might be very well what has happened in connection with the death of Texas Renaissance Festival Founder, George Coulam. The 87-year-old owner and founder died Wednesday morning at his home, according to Grimes County Sheriff Donald G. Sowell. 

Get our free mobile app

According to Houston Pubic Media, he was found deceased by a housekeeper who then called police. The death is currently under investigation by the Todd Mission Police where Coulam, affectionately known by many Ren Fest attendees as "King George", spent many terms as Mayor.

They, along with the Texas Rangers and the Grimes County Sheriff's Office, are all investigating the death. There is no suspected danger to the public.

Strange Death Happens After Owner Ordered To Sell

There is no word on how King George passed, so it is all pure conjecture at this point until law enforcement has done their job. Things were getting heated at the Texas Renaissance Festival, and along with a mayoral race loss, some are thinking that it is more than a coincidence.

He died just two weeks after a Grimes County Judge ordered Coulam to sell the festival and its assets after siding with a group of prospective buyers who sued after a $60 million deal fell through in 2023.

Read More: Ren Fest Comedian From The Ded Bob Show Has Died

Coulam also just lost his race for mayor of Todd Mission for the first time since the 1980s on May 3rd.

If you haven't seen it yet, you should check out the 2024 documentary on Max called "Ren Faire". It is a magical place to visit in the woods near Houston.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of George Coulam, founder of the Texas Renaissance Festival,” festival officials said in a statement. “For more than 50 years, he built a community that has become a cherished tradition for generations of performers, staff, and guests. At this time, we ask for respect and privacy for Mr. Coulam's family and the extended Texas Renaissance Festival family as they grieve. As this is a deeply personal matter, we are not offering additional comments at this time.”