Wife asks to declare Steve Fossett dead

CHICAGO, Nov. 27 (UPI) -- The wife of Steve Fossett, a millionaire adventurer who disappeared in September flying over Nevada, has asked a Chicago court to declare him legally dead.

Peggy Fossett told the Cook County probate court she believes her husband died when his plane disappeared and asked the judge to begin distributing the adventurer's wealth as he requested in his will, the Chicago Tribune reported Tuesday.

"(Steve) Fossett's wealth is vast, surpassing eight figures in liquid assets, various entities and real estate," the court petition said.

The search for Fossett after his Sept. 3 disappearance resulted in the discovery of wreckage from eight other plane crashes, but there was no sign of Fossett or his plane.

"As anyone can imagine, this is a difficult day for our family," Peggy Fossett said Monday in a written statement. "We will continue to grieve and heal, but after nearly three months we feel now that we must accept that Steve did not survive."