William de Rothschild, an 87-year-old man who claimed ties to the Rothschild banking family, died in an accidental fire at his Laurel Canyon home. The Los Angeles County medical examiner's report indicated that heart disease and smoke inhalation were contributing factors. Neighbors had believed his claims of wealth and heritage, but official records and his estranged brother disputed these assertions. De Rothschild, born William Alfred Kauffman, changed his name in 1985, and his identity as a Rothschild remains unsubstantiated.
De Rothschild's death was ruled an accident caused by hypertensive cardiovascular disease and smoke inhalation, as reported by the L.A. County medical examiner's office.
Neighbors reported that De Rothschild claimed a connection to the Rothschild banking family, but his estranged brother denied this, stating, 'My brother is not a Rothschild, as far as I know.'
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