John Du Pont, born into the immense wealth of the du Pont family on November 22, 1938, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a figure marked by both extraordinary philanthropy and a shocking descent into violence. Best known for his support of amateur freestyle wrestling, his legacy is tragically overshadowed by the events of January 26, 1996, when he fatally shot Dave Schultz, an Olympic gold medalist wrestler residing and training at du Pont’s sprawling estate. Convicted of third-degree murder, though declared mentally ill, du Pont’s life is a stark study in contrasts, from benefactor of sport to perpetrator of a heinous crime.
Born into the Prominence of the Du Pont Dynasty
A scion of the renowned du Pont family, John Eleuthère du Pont inherited a considerable fortune that shaped his life’s trajectory. His upbringing was largely centered around Liseter Hall Farm, an expansive 800-acre estate in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, where he spent the majority of his days. His parents, dedicated to raising and training Thoroughbred racehorses, divorced when du Pont was just two years old. He remained at Liseter Hall with his mother, a setting that would become both his sanctuary and, ultimately, the scene of tragedy. Following his graduation from high school in 1957, du Pont briefly attended the University of Pennsylvania before transferring and graduating from the University of Miami with a degree in biology. During his time at Miami, he was a member of the varsity swim team, foreshadowing his later deep involvement in the world of sports.
From Natural History to Olympic Aspirations
Initially, du Pont cultivated a fervent passion for ornithology and natural history. He amassed an extensive collection encompassing tens of thousands of preserved birds, bird eggs, and seashells, demonstrating a profound early interest in the natural world. This passion culminated in the founding of the Delaware Museum of Natural History in 1957. Based on du Pont’s personal collections, the museum opened its doors in 1972 near Wilmington, Delaware, with du Pont himself serving as its director, showcasing his commitment to scientific pursuits and public education.
However, du Pont’s fascination gradually shifted from the natural sciences to the realm of competitive sports. He transitioned from swimming to modern pentathlon, achieving notable success by winning the 1965 Australian championship. His dedication to pentathlon extended to hosting the 1968 U.S. pentathlon championships at his estate, further solidifying his presence in the sporting community. Despite his fervent aspirations, du Pont never realized his personal Olympic dream as an athlete. Nevertheless, he achieved a degree of Olympic involvement by managing the U.S. pentathlon team at the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games, indicating his continuing desire to contribute to the Olympic movement.
The Rise of Team Foxcatcher and Focus on Wrestling
The 1980s marked a significant turning point in du Pont’s sporting interests as he redirected his energy towards freestyle wrestling. In 1985, demonstrating his characteristic philanthropy, he provided substantial funds to establish a varsity wrestling team at Villanova University, taking on the role of head coach. Du Pont’s commitment to wrestling intensified as he constructed a state-of-the-art training facility on his estate. He renamed the property Foxcatcher Farm, in homage to his father’s racing stables, transforming it into a hub for elite wrestling training.
He then founded Team Foxcatcher, an Olympic wrestling club, which became a prominent and rare organization of its kind within the United States. To populate his team, du Pont actively recruited top-tier wrestlers, including Olympic champion Mark Schultz, the younger brother of Dave Schultz. Du Pont’s sponsorship was exceptionally generous, providing stipends, covering travel costs, and even offering free housing at Foxcatcher Farm for select athletes. Among those who resided at the estate was Dave Schultz, who served as a coach for Team Foxcatcher and was actively preparing for the 1996 Olympics, creating a close-knit community centered around wrestling excellence under du Pont’s patronage.
Descent into Delusion and the Shadow of Violence
Beneath the veneer of philanthropy and sporting enthusiasm, a darker side of John du Pont was emerging. From at least the 1980s, he was known to struggle with alcohol and cocaine abuse, contributing to increasingly erratic behavior. His temper was notoriously volatile, and he possessed a large collection of firearms, raising concerns among those around him. Du Pont cultivated an environment where people were expected to indulge his delusions, including the fantasy that he was a highly skilled wrestler and athlete himself.
Following the death of his mother in 1988, du Pont’s mental state deteriorated significantly, marked by escalating paranoia and delusions. A brief marriage in 1983-84 ended abruptly when his wife, concerned for her safety, left him. Despite his increasingly bizarre and unsettling behavior, many within his wrestling circle and even local law enforcement dismissed it as mere eccentricity, failing to recognize the potential danger he posed. This misjudgment would have tragic consequences.
The Fatal Shooting of Dave Schultz and Legal Aftermath
The culmination of du Pont’s deteriorating mental state and erratic behavior reached a horrifying climax on January 26, 1996, when he fatally shot Dave Schultz at Foxcatcher Farm. The murder sent shockwaves through the wrestling community and beyond, shattering the image of du Pont as a benevolent patron of sport. Following the shooting, du Pont engaged in a tense 48-hour standoff with police before being apprehended, bringing an end to the immediate crisis but opening a new chapter of legal proceedings and public scrutiny.
In 1997, du Pont was convicted of third-degree murder in Schultz’s death. While convicted, the court also recognized his mental illness, acknowledging the role it played in the tragic events. He received a sentence of 13 to 30 years in prison, a sentence he would ultimately serve until his death in prison in 2010. The story of Dave Schultz’s murder and the complex figure of John du Pont gained further notoriety with the release of the film Foxcatcher (2014), which dramatized the events at Foxcatcher Farm and explored the troubled relationship between du Pont and the Schultz brothers, leaving a lasting cultural impact and prompting continued discussion about mental health, wealth, and the dark side of ambition.
