A British man who died in a boat accident off the coast of Italy has been named as the millionaire owner of a Covid mask firm.
Dean Kronsbein, 61, died after the yacht he was on crashed into rocks off the coast of Sardinia on Sunday.
Mr Kronsbein, a German-British dual national who lived near Ross-on-Wye, owned the face mask supplier Ultrafilter Medical, which also has its factory in the south Herefordshire town.
RELATED NEWS:
- Richard Hammond at new Herefordshire factory's official opening
- Mask firm invests another £2 million into Herefordshire factory
- Ukraine: Hereford company kick starts appeal to resettle refugees
A spokesperson for the family said: “It is with great sadness that we can confirm that Dean Kronsbein has been killed in a boating accident.
“A much-loved and respected family man, friend and business colleague, it is a tremendous shock and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know him.
“We politely request that the family are allowed time and space to come to terms with their loss.”
OTHER NEWS:
- Hereford murder investigation: heartbroken mum pays tribute to daughter
- Shoppers evacuated after death in Hereford Waitrose supermarket
- Book of condolence: tributes to alleged Hereford murder victim Charlotte Holland
Councillor Ed O’Driscoll, the mayor of Ross-on-Wye, posted on Facebook: “I was deeply shocked to learn of the sudden death of local businessman Dean Kronsbein in a yachting accident off the coast of Sardinia.
“I would like to offer my deepest condolences to his family as they come to terms with this terrible news.”
According to local media, Mr Kronsbein was fatally injured when the 70ft Amore yacht crashed at Il Nibani, near Porto Cervo.
He was pulled from the water but was pronounced dead at the scene.
Mr Kronsbein was reportedly on board with his wife, Sabine, 59, and his daughter, Sophia, 27, who were seriously injured.
OTHER NEWS:
- Anger over ‘ridiculous’ delays to sorting river Wye bridge problem
- Shoppers evacuated after death in Hereford Waitrose supermarket
- New café opens in Herefordshire town
Coastguard commander at the Port of Olbia Francesco Colarullo told MailOnline on Monday: “The damaged boat was towed back to Porto Cervo and has now been seized by the local prosecutor while the investigation into what happened exactly continues.
“Its possible speed may have been an issue and we know that other vessels were in the area at the time and the accident may have happened while evasive action was taking place.”
An spokesperson for the Foreign Office said: “We are providing support following a maritime accident in Sardinia, including to the family of a dual national who has died.
“We are in contact with the local authorities.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here