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.

• When John Jacob Astor IV died on the Titanic 112 years ago, he was one of the world’s richest people.
• He built landmark New York hotels like the Astoria Hotel and the St. Regis.
• Astor’s wife, who was 30 years younger than him, was pregnant aboard the Titanic and survived.

John Jacob Astor IV was one of the wealthiest people in the world when he perished in the Titanic sinking. 

His life was marked by amazing innovations and wealth, but scandal as well. Astor’s wife, who was 30 years younger than him when they married, was pregnant aboard the Titanic and survived. Astor reportedly planned to make their child his heir, but his fortune ended up being left to Vincent Astor, his son from his first marriage.