Former director of Orlando Museum of Art, tied to Basquiat scandal, dies at 59

ORLANDO, Fla. — The former director of the Orlando Museum of Art, Aaron De Groft, has died.

▶ WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS

De Groft was at the center of a scandal when the FBI investigated him in relation to potentially fake Jean-Michael Basquiat artworks.

De Groft is said to have died from a brief illness.

Watch: ‘Quite disappointed’: Visitors react after FBI takes possession of art exhibit from Orlando museum

He was 59 years old.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

©2025 Cox Media Group