TV presenter and Herefordshire star Richard Hammond has paid a tribute to his friend and businessman.
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.
According to local media, Mr Kronsbein was fatally injured when the 70ft Amore yacht crashed at Il Nibani, near Porto Cervo.
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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.
Richard Hammond was a good friend of his and has paid his respects in a heartfelt tribute.
"It is deeply saddening news and a terrible thing to happen to a lovely family," he said.
"I fervently hope Sabine and Sophia are recovering from their injuries with the support of Dustin.
"Dean was much loved beyond that close-knit family as a showman, a natural born Master of Ceremonies who always wanted to bring people together whether to do business or enjoy a party and I am just one of many who shall miss him very, very much.
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"He was my favourite person to introduce others to and I'm sad that there are many now who'll miss out on meeting a wonderful, charming, joyous man.
"As a natural performer he contributed his own unique and wonderful style to the filming we did together this year and the whole production team, the workshop team and my family are shocked and saddened to hear the news and our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this unimaginably difficult time."
The pair both attended a Bentley Owners' Club event at Mr Kronsbein's lavish country home in Hom Green near Ross-on-Wye earlier this year.
Hammond was also at the official opening of the Ross-on-Wye Ultrafilter Medical factory, with Dean Kronsbein also at the launch of Hammond's The Smallest Cog car restoration workshop in Rotherwas, Hereford.
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