Dana Giacchetto, the disgraced former “stockbroker to the stars” who worked with Cameron Diaz, Michael Stipe, Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire before he pleaded guilty to securities fraud in 2001, died Sunday at age 53, a spokesman for the New York Police Department told TheWrap on Monday.
Giacchetto was found dead at his residence on the Upper West Side, the spokesman said. The investigation is ongoing, and the medical examiner will determine the cause of his death.
According to the New York Daily News, Giacchetto’s death was preceded by a weekend of partying. The paper cites witnesses who say he was seen “scuffling with security guards” at the premiere party for the film “Legends of Freestyle” on Friday night.
One source said that Giacchetto was seen “ranting and raving” outside the club where the party took place, and security refused to allow him back inside.
“He was so hammered that they wouldn’t let him back into the club,” the Daily New’s source said. “He was yelling at security. He tried getting into a fight with them and they had to ‘deal’ with him.”
According to the Daily News, Giacchetto’s roommate found him “foaming at the mouth” on Sunday morning and called 911.
Giacchetto is survived by his two sons, Dario and Giacomo, whom he fathered with estranged girlfriend Allegra Brosco.
In 2000, Giacchetto was arrested at Newark Airport with a falsified passport and not long after pled guilty to fraud involving the misappropriation of between $5 million and $10 million of clients’ funds. He was sentenced to 57 months in prison and was released in 2003.