A BRIT wine tycoon has been found dead at his luxury Spanish villa hours after returning from a car rally in Italy.
Tarik Wildman, 65, died “peacefully” in his sleep on Sunday, according to friends, but the cause of death is unknown.
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The socialite, who was managing director of PJ Investments according to his LinkedIn page, had just returned from running a rally team in Italy.
He was a vintage car fanatic and had competed in the iconic Monte Carlo Classic rally.
His paternal grandfather founded the wine empire Frederick Wildman & Sons, which to this day turns over hundreds of millions of pounds a year exporting wines and champagne from France to the US.
Tarik’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 portraits hanging in the National Portrait Gallery.
He was married to Susan O’Reilly, eldest child of the late Sir Anthony O’Reilly – a businessman and rugby union player from one of Ireland’s foremost families.
It is believed Tarik owned a six-bedroom, five-bathroom holiday home in the swanky La Virginia neighbourhood of Marbella, with a private pool.
The Classic and Sports Car Club of Andalucia, of which Tarik was a member, posted a memorial to him 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.
“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.”
Another friend, US TV personality Ingrid Hoffman, wrote: “Thank you for being a stand up kind and generous friend, host exraurdinaire, creator, planner, navigator and pilot to the most fun adventures and Team Shhhh rally’s.
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“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.
“I will miss your naughty spirit, history lessons, poetry, writings, waking all up to beautiful classical music.”
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