John Jacob Astor IV was one of the richest men in the world when he died on the Titanic. Here's a look at his life.

John Jacob Astor IV was a wealthy American businessman and real estate developer who lived from 1864 to 1912. Here are some key points about his life:

• He came from the prominent Astor family, one of New York's wealthiest families.

• In 1907, he became the richest man in America with an estimated fortune of $85 million ($2 billion today).

• He was a prolific inventor and patented several devices including a bicycle brake and turbine engine.

• In 1891, Astor married Ava Lowle Willing. They had two children but divorced in 1909 amid scandal.

• At age 47, he married Madeleine Talmage Force, who was 18 years younger. Their marriage caused a social scandal due to his divorce and her youth.

• In April 1912, Astor and his pregnant wife boarded the RMS Titanic for its maiden voyage across the Atlantic.

• When the Titanic struck an iceberg on April 14, Astor calmly helped his wife into one of the last lifeboats. He reportedly told her he would see her in the morning.

• Astor died when the Titanic sank early on April

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