Who is Ralph Trilipush from The Egyptologist and what is their importance?

Ralph Trilipush convinces a set of Boston businessmen to finance an expedition to Egypt. He tells them that he will find great treasures in the tomb of Atum-hadu and that he knows exactly where to find the tomb. All seems to go well until the promised funds transfer does not go through, leaving Ralph strapped for cash. He discovers what he thinks is a tomb and begins the excavation. All he finds are two empty rooms, and while opening the third, the heavy stone door falls on his foot and crushes it. Ralph goes steadily insane as he opens room after room, all empty except for one containing twelve unfinished columns, a worthless find.