It's been 45 years since eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes died and people are still looking for his will. When Hughes died, it appeared he didn't leave a will for his $2.5 billion fortune (the equivalent of $11 billion today, adjusted for inflation). A lengthy court battle over Hughes' estate ensued, with more than 400 people coming forward to claim part of his will. Among these claims, one stood out—known as the "Mormon will," which not only gifted a large portion of his estate to the Mormon church but also entitled a gas station attendant named Melvin Dummar to one-sixteenth of Hughes' vast estate.
But who was Melvin Dummar, and why was a seemingly random individual given such a significant claim? This intriguing tale unfolds in the backdrop of Hughes' eccentric life and the bizarre circumstances surrounding his alleged will. The story raises more questions than answers, and even decades later, it continues to spark curiosity and debate.
As we dive deeper into this story, we will explore the life of Melvin Dummar, the events leading to his extraordinary claim, and the controversies that followed. Join me on this journey through a remarkable intersection of fate, fortune, and the mysteries of one of America's most iconic figures.
Table of Contents
- Biography of Melvin Dummar
- The Disheveled Hitchhiker Incident
- Suspicions Arise Around the Mormon Will
- The Result of the Will Contest
- Final Thoughts on Melvin Dummar's Story
Biography of Melvin Dummar
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Melvin Dummar |
| Birthdate | January 21, 1942 |
| Occupation | Gas Station Attendant, Delivery Driver |
| Notable Event | Claimed a share of Howard Hughes' estate |
| Date of Death | December 9, 2018 |
The Disheveled Hitchhiker Incident
Melvin Dummar, hailing from rural Nevada, was driving across the Nevada desert in December 1967 when he spotted a disheveled old man by the roadside. Initially, he thought the man was dead, but upon closer inspection, he realized the man was alive. Dummar offered to help the stranger, who claimed to be Howard Hughes. This encounter set off a series of events that would lead to Dummar's unexpected claim to a portion of Hughes' estate.
The old man, appearing more like a skid row bum than a billionaire, asked Dummar to drive him to Las Vegas. Dummar agreed and dropped him off at the Sands Hotel, which Hughes had recently purchased. The story of this chance meeting would later become central to the legal battles over Hughes' estate.
Suspicions Arise Around the Mormon Will
The will that supposedly entitled Melvin Dummar to one-sixteenth of Hughes' estate was highly controversial. It was alleged to have been written in 1968 and included several peculiar stipulations. For instance, it left a significant portion of the estate to the Mormon church, despite Hughes never having been a member.
Additionally, the will mentioned money for two of Hughes' ex-wives, who were already receiving alimony settlements, raising further questions about its authenticity. The document also referred to Hughes' famed "Spruce Goose," a nickname he despised, which added to the suspicions surrounding the legitimacy of the will.
The Result of the Will Contest
In June 1978, a Las Vegas court ruled the contested will was forged, but the case did not end there. In 2005, retired FBI agent Gary Magnesen began investigating Dummar's claims. His research revealed that several of Hughes' employees remembered seeing him enter the Sands Hotel after being dropped off by a stranger—Dummar. This detail lent credibility to Dummar's story and reignited interest in the case.
Final Thoughts on Melvin Dummar's Story
Melvin Dummar passed away in December 2018, leaving behind a legacy intertwined with one of America's most enigmatic figures. His story raises fundamental questions about truth, fate, and fortune. If Dummar's account was accurate, he could have potentially died a billionaire, reflecting on the unpredictable nature of life.
So, what do you think? Was Melvin's story true or simply a fabrication? The mystery surrounding Howard Hughes' will continues to captivate and perplex, inviting us to ponder the complexities of wealth and human connection.
