David Siegel, Owner of Westgate Las Vegas Casino, Dies at 89

David Siegel, the founder and CEO of Westgate Resorts, has died at the age of 89. The company announced his death Saturday morning via social media. No cause was given, but reports indicate that he had been battling cancer at home in Orlando.

“David never forgot his humble roots, starting Westgate in his garage and using the company as a way to lead others to become inspired and successful,” said Westgate Resorts CEO Jim Gissy in a statement. “David worked hard to leave us a company that will continue to preserve its family origins, and the significant resources and ambition to instill joy in the lives we touch through the hospitality we provide.”

Siegel started his timeshare company in 1982, overseeing its expansion from Orlando to Miami Beach and outside of Florida to locations in Arizona, Virginia and Utah. Today, the empire he built includes more than 13,500 rooms at 22 resorts across the US.

In June 2014, Westgate resorts purchased the Las Vegas Hotel & Casino from Goldman Sachs and Gramercy Capital for a reported price between $150 and $170 million. The resort was opened by gaming mogul Kirk Kerkorian in July 1969 as the International Hotel and in July 1971 became the Las Vegas Hilton.

The property was made world famous by Elvis Presley’s concert residency there from 1969 to 1976.

Siegel stepped down as Westgate’s CEO last year, though he remained its executive chairman of the board and president.

Other Work

Siegel will also be remembered for helping raise awareness about the opioid epidemic. After their 18-year-old daughter, Victoria, died of an accidental overdose in June 2015, he and his wife, Jackie Siegel, founded the Victoria’s Voice Foundation. The organization seeks to combat substance abuse by emphasizing education and prevention.

“David’s tireless efforts were instrumental in promoting the use of the life-saving drug Narcan among first responders, including our agency,” said Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma, a board member of Victoria’s Voice, in a post on Facebook. “His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew, respected, and admired him — and all the lives that have been saved because of his advocacy efforts.”

Siegel leaves behind Jackie and 12 children and 12 grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Victoria’s Voice.