A British wine tycoon has been found dead at his luxury Spanish villa hours after returning from a car rally in Italy.
Tarik Wildman, 65, formerly of Marlow, Buckinghamshire, died peacefully in his sleep at his home in the upmarket and gated La Virginia complex, Marbella, according to friends.
The socialite - managing director of PJ Investments - was a vintage car fanatic and had competed in the iconic Monte Carlo Classic race.
His paternal grandfather founded the Frederick Wildman & Sons empire in the 1950s. The multi-million dollar business export wine and champagne from France to the US.
Wildman’s British mother, the late Hon Corinna Cunliffe, was a celebrated fashion magazine editor and the daughter of a baron.
She is pictured in three paintings hanging in the National Portrait Gallery.
Wildman was married to Susan O’Reilly, eldest child of the late Sir Anthony O’Reilly – a businessman and national rugby union player from one of Ireland’s foremost families.
The Classic and Sports Car Club of Andalucia posted a tribute to the tycoon online, which read: “He had just returned from organising and running his Team Schh rally in Italy which he had done in his beautiful Lancia Flamina, a car he loved.
“He died peacefully in his sleep but, at this moment, the cause is not known.
“He had amazing friends all over the world, had competed in the Monte Carlo Classic rally and had a depth of knowledge of all things that always astonished me.
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“His passion for life in general and motoring in particular was something that others could only envy.
“The world here will never see the like and will never be the same again. RIP Tarik Wildman, a legend and a titan.”
Wildman was known to be a speed freak rally driver and once filmed himself driving at 190mph in North Africa.
Former model Kristiane Backer said: “We are all devastated and desperate to hear what happened, Tarik was a party animal and such a force of nature, a kind, thoughtful man… I was due to see him soon , it is very sad.”
US TV personality Ingrid Hoffman, wrote: “Thank you for being a stand up kind and generous friend, host extraordinaire, creator, planner, navigator and pilot to the most fun adventures and Team Shhhh rallies.
“I am going to miss you and the days and nights spend cooking, talking, drinking, driving and telling stories at your Marbella ‘La Virginia’ and Casa Hombre Salvaje centre of the universe of all things fun.
“Capileira that little house above the clouds you loved so much and took all of your friends so we could love it too.
“Grateful for all the cast of characters now friends you introduced me too. You always wanted all of us to be friends.
“You leave behind a beautiful family a bigger than life legacy.
“I will miss your naughty spirit, history lessons, poetry, writings, waking all up to beautiful classical music.”
