British wine tycoon Tarik Wildman, 65, was found dead at his luxury villa in Marbella’s gated La Virginia complex just hours after returning from a classic car rally
A British businessman who ran a successful wine business has been found dead at his luxury villa in Spain.
Tarik Wildman, 65, was discovered by a close friend on Sunday at his villa in Marbella’s La Virginia complex, a gated community home to some of the wealthiest people on the island. He had returned just hours earlier from a car rally in Italy. Tarik’s friend said that his death was believed to be of natural causes, but that his family were awaiting the results of an autopsy. Mr Wildman had inherited his multi-million fine wine business from his dad Frederick Wildman Jnr, whose father, Frederick Wildman Snr, started the venture in the 1950s.
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The company specialises in importing wines and champagne from France to the US. Tarik was well known in the local community as a vintage car enthusiast, and had returned from the Team Shh rally he ran in Italy on the day he was found dead in Spain.
In his very final appearance, he was seen driving a Lancia Flamina, a high-end Italian car from the mid-20th century.
The Classic and Sports Car Club of Andalucia wrote in a tribute: “He had just returned from organising and running his Team Shh 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.”
Another friend wrote on Facebook: “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 center 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.”
The Mirror has approached the Foreign Office for comment.