TODD MISSION, Texas — George Coulam, the cofounder of the Texas Renaissance Festival and a sometimes controversial figure central to its 50-year history, has been found dead in his home, according to Grimes County Sheriff Donald Sowell.

The sheriff said he was notified about the death at 9 a.m. and isn't sure how Coulam died. Authorities said they didn't believe there was any threat to the public.

Coulam, known as “King George” to many longtime festivalgoers, cofounded the festival in 1974 with his late brother David. He led it to become one of the largest and most iconic Renaissance-themed events in the United States.

In a statement, the Texas Renaissance Festival said Coulam "built a community that has become a cherished tradition for generations of performers, staff and guests."

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