Cornero died suddenly on July 31, 1955, while gambling at the nearby Desert Inn resort. His death was considered suspicious, and an investigation was soon opened. Tony's brother, Louis Cornero, was named as the president and general manager of the Stardust. Louis Cornero was the mayor of St. Helena, California, and he only planned to remain with the Stardust until legal issues could be resolved. Construction shut down on August 1, 1955, amid a dispute with several labor unions. Work resumed the following month, and there were plans to have the resort opened by Christmas.