Millionaire real estate mogul charged in college admissions scandal dies by suicide

Robert Flaxman, 66, was found dead in his Malibu home by police

Robert Flaxman has died by suicide, authorities say (Getty)

A real estate mogul who was among the dozens of parents caught up in the college admissions scandal has died by suicide, according to reports.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner confirmed Robert Flaxman’s death on Thursday.

The 66-year-old was found dead on 20 October in his Malibu, California, home after friends asked police to carry out a welfare check, TMZ reported.

Flaxman, chief executive of Crown Realty & Development in Costa Mesa, was one of 53 people charged in 2019 with paying vast sums of money to ensure their children were admitted to top schools across the country.

The college admissions scandal saw Hollywood stars Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman charged for paying mastermind Rick Singer to fraudulently inflate exam scores to secure college entrance for their children.

Flaxman spent one month in jail in 2019 after admitting to paying a combined $325,000 to help his son and daughter into colleges.

He was also ordered to complete 250 hours of community service and pay a $50,000 fine.

Flaxman has spoken to The Wall Street Journal about his involvement in the scandal in late 2019 and early 2020.

He told the outlet how he was thrilled when his daughter expressed interest in going to college in 2016 after having attended a boarding school for troubled teens in Montana.

Of his conviction, he said: “The lesson for me is to trust more in them. Trust that they find their own path.”

Among the other parents caught up in the scandal was Desperate Housewives actor Huffman, who spent two weeks in jail in 2019 after admitting one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud.  

Loughlin served half of a two-month sentence also related to the college admissions scandal. The former Full House star pleaded guilty in to one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud in 2019.

According to TMZ, authorities did not find a suicide note. Authorities told the news site that Flaxman had a history of depression.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress and isolation, or are struggling to cope, The Samaritans offers support; you can speak to someone for free over the phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.

If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Helpline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.