Harry Morton, Founder Of Pink Taco Chain, Dead At 38

BEVERLY HILLS, CA — Harry Morton, the founder of the Pink Taco restaurant chain, was found dead in his Beverly Hills home, authorities said Sunday.

The 38-year-old, who was also the former owner of the Viper Room nightclub in West Hollywood, was pronounced dead at 5:28 p.m. Saturday, according to the Los Angeles County coroner's office, which reported that a representative from the office was dispatched to the 500 block of Haynes Avenue in Beverly Hills.

"The autopsy and report are incomplete at this time, and will probably be completed in a couple of days," a coroner's spokesperson said.

A watch commander at the Beverly Hills Police Department told City News Service that he could not immediately comment on the matter.

People magazine reported receiving information from the Beverly Hills Police Department that Morton was found dead in his Beverly Hills home. The magazine reported that a source informed them that Morton's younger brother, Matthew, discovered the body.

Morton came from a family of restauranteurs. His father Peter Morton co-founded the Hard Rock Cafe franchise in 1971, and his grandfather Arnie co-founded Morton's The Steakhouse restaurant in 1978.

He was also a volunteer sheriff's deputy at the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's West Hollywood station.

Malibu Search and Rescue tweeted "Deputy Morton received the prestigious Reserve Detective of the Year Award in 2018. Our prayers go out to his family, friends and co-workers for this sudden tragic loss."

Celebrities and fans took to social media to honor Morton, including "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Brandi Glanville who tweeted, "The times we shared were epic and you will be missed."

Actress Lindsay Lohan, who briefly dated Morton years ago, posted a photo of the two on her Instagram account Sunday, with the caption: "Best friends. Best life."

City News Service contributed tot his post