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Dennis Hof, owner of Love Ranch brothel in Nevada, dies at age 72

Dennis Hof, owner of Love Ranch, dies at 72
Dennis Hof, owner of Love Ranch, dies at 72
Posted at 3:03 PM, Oct 16, 2018
and last updated 2018-10-16 15:51:43-04

NYE COUNTY, Nevada — Famed Love Ranch brother owner and GOP Assembly candidate Dennis Hof has died.

The Nye County Sheriff's Office confirmed Hof's death Tuesday morning at the Love Ranch in Crystal, outside of Pahrump. Detectives and deputies are currently on scene and conducting an investigation into his death. 

Hof was 72 years old. His cause of death is unknown at this time.  

Hof's campaign manager Chuck Muth first tweeted about his death. 

Hof owned the Love Ranch in Crystal and also a Love Ranch in Mound House, along with a number of other brothels. The Moonlite Bunny Ranch in Northern Nevada was featured on the HBO series "Cathouse." 

While Hof frequently made headlines related to his brothels, he made national news in June when he won the Republican primary for Assembly District 36. Hof called himself the "Trump from Pahrump" and had released a book called "The Art of the Pimp" in 2015. 

Just Monday, Hof had a birthday party and campaign rally in Pahrump. Hof had just turned 72 on Sunday. Fox News' Tucker Carlson called into the event and former Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio and adult film star Ron Jeremy made appearances. 

Hof was no stranger to controversy. In September, an investigation into sexual assault allegations against Hof was launched after a report in Carson City. Hof has been accused of sexual assault on at least three occasions since 2005 at his rural Nevada brothels.

Also this year, Hof lost his license for the Love Ranch in Crystal in August before getting it reinstated. The brothel's license was suspended earlier this year as well. 

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Love Ranch also made headlines just over three years ago after then-NBA star Lamar Odom was found unconscious after an overdose at the brothel.