John Eleuthère du Pont was a member of the prominent du Pont family, known for their vast wealth and influence in the chemical industry. Born on November 22, 1938, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, John du Pont was the son of William du Pont Jr. and Jean Liseter Austin du Pont. He was a descendant of Éleuthère Irénée du Pont, the founder of the DuPont chemical company.
Early Life and Education
John du Pont grew up in a life of luxury, with his family’s wealth and social status providing him with every opportunity. He developed an interest in ornithology, the study of birds, and later became a skilled taxidermist. Du Pont attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied zoology and later earned a doctoral degree in natural science. His academic background and interests in natural history led him to establish the Delaware Museum of Natural History in 1972, which featured a collection of taxidermied birds and other animals.
Wrestling and Philanthropy
In addition to his interests in natural history, John du Pont was also a skilled wrestler and philanthropist. He established the Foxcatcher Farm, a wrestling training facility located on his estate in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. Du Pont’s passion for wrestling led him to sponsor the United States Olympic wrestling team and support various wrestling programs at the collegiate and high school levels. His philanthropic efforts also extended to the establishment of the John du Pont Foundation, which provided funding for various educational and conservation initiatives.
| Year | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Established the Delaware Museum of Natural History | Wilmington, Delaware |
| 1986 | Founded the Foxcatcher Farm wrestling training facility | Newtown Square, Pennsylvania |
| 1987 | Sponsored the United States Olympic wrestling team | Various locations |
Tragic Incident and Later Life
On January 26, 1996, John du Pont’s life took a tragic turn when he shot and killed Olympic wrestler Dave Schultz, who was a coach and athlete at the Foxcatcher Farm. The incident occurred after a confrontation between du Pont and Schultz, and it led to du Pont’s arrest and subsequent conviction for murder. Du Pont was sentenced to 13 to 30 years in prison, where he died on December 9, 2010, at the age of 72.
Legacy and Impact
Despite the tragic events that marked the end of his life, John du Pont’s legacy as a philanthropist, ornithologist, and supporter of wrestling continues to be felt. His contributions to the sport of wrestling and his support for educational and conservation initiatives have had a lasting impact on the lives of many individuals. The Foxcatcher Farm, which was once a hub for wrestling activity, now serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges that du Pont faced in his personal and professional life.
The story of John du Pont's life and struggles was immortalized in the 2014 film "Foxcatcher," directed by Bennett Miller and starring Steve Carell as du Pont, Channing Tatum as Mark Schultz, and Mark Ruffalo as Dave Schultz. The film explores the complexities of du Pont's relationships with the Schultz brothers and the events that led to the tragic confrontation.
What was John du Pont’s background and education?
+John du Pont was a member of the prominent du Pont family and was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied zoology and later earned a doctoral degree in natural science.
What were John du Pont’s interests and philanthropic efforts?
+John du Pont was interested in ornithology and taxidermy, and he established the Delaware Museum of Natural History. He was also a skilled wrestler and sponsored the United States Olympic wrestling team. His philanthropic efforts extended to the establishment of the John du Pont Foundation, which supported educational and conservation initiatives.
What was the tragic incident that occurred at the Foxcatcher Farm?
+On January 26, 1996, John du Pont shot and killed Olympic wrestler Dave Schultz, who was a coach and athlete at the Foxcatcher Farm. The incident occurred after a confrontation between du Pont and Schultz, and it led to du Pont’s arrest and subsequent conviction for murder.
