A man who once claimed to be a member of the famous Rothschild banking family has died in a tragic accident, with authorities confirming that his death was a result of an unforeseen event.
William Alexander de Rothschild, 87, passed away in a fire that consumed his $1 million home in Laurel Canyon on November 27.
A recent coroner’s report has shed light on the cause of death, with the primary factor being heart disease, specifically hypertensive cardiovascular disease, along with inhalation of smoke from the fire.
The fire’s exact cause is still under investigation by the Los Angeles Police and Fire Departments.
A Mysterious Identity and Name Change
Rothschild’s neighbors had always known him to claim ties to the prestigious European banking family, renowned for their vast fortune.
However, a deeper look revealed that no records existed to confirm his alleged connection to the Rothschild lineage.
Instead, it turns out that his real name was William Alfred Kauffman.
In 1985, Kauffman legally changed his name in a Los Angeles County Superior Court petition, citing his desire to adopt a name from his mother’s side of the family.
He was granted the name change and remained William Alexander de Rothschild for the rest of his life.
Neighbors and the Car Collection
Despite the questions surrounding his identity, neighbors noted Kauffman’s extravagant lifestyle, particularly his impressive collection of luxury cars, including Jaguars and Ferraris.
This fueled speculation about his supposed wealthy background.
One neighbor recalled that Kauffman came across as well-educated and courteous, adding that he “carried himself like I think a Rothschild would.”
However, rumors that he donated classic cars to Los Angeles’ Petersen Automotive Museum remain unverified.
A Life of Seclusion
Kauffman was known for being a recluse, spending much of his time indulging in his car collection.
He had lost contact with his brother, Richard Kauffman, years ago, and was presumed dead by his sibling.
Richard expressed his relief that his brother had lived a long life but also conveyed sorrow about the circumstances surrounding his death.
Despite his reclusive nature, neighbors remembered Kauffman as someone who had a passion for cars but kept largely to himself.
Personal Life and Family Connections
Court documents reveal that Kauffman had been married to Margaux Mirkin in 1999, a woman who ran a high-end car rental service in Nevada.
Interestingly, neighbors knew Margaux as either Kauffman’s cousin or sister, not as his wife.
Her name is also associated with a property located just down the street from Kauffman’s home.
A Humble Residence
Before the fire, Kauffman’s two-bedroom home, valued at around $1,076,000, didn’t reflect the grandiosity one might expect from a Rothschild heir.
The small, 825-square-foot house stood in stark contrast to the luxurious image associated with the Rothschild name.
Still, the mystery surrounding his identity and the strange details of his life have captivated the curiosity of many.
The Rothschild family’s vast wealth, amassed through banking ventures across Europe, remains one of the largest fortunes in history, with estimates reaching over $1 billion.
Whether Kauffman was ever truly part of this lineage or simply a man who wished to live under that prestigious name is a question that may never fully be answered.
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