Ex-CFO of missing billionaire Englishman dies in hit-and-run accident; Stephen Chamberlain, former executive of Autonomy, died after an accident, while Lynch is missing after a yacht sinking in Sicily.
Stephen Chamberlain, aged 52, former vice-president of finance at Autonomy, tragically passed away in a hit-and-run incident last Saturday. The accident occurred in Stretham, Cambridgeshire, when Chamberlain was struck by a car while jogging. Local police confirmed that the man was taken to hospital with serious injuries and did not survive.
This incident comes just two days after the disappearance of Mike Lynch, aged 59, Chamberlain’s former boss and founder of Autonomy. Lynch is missing after a yacht he was on sank off the coast of Sicily during a devastating tornado.
Context of the Sicily Yacht Sinking
The yacht sinking involving Lynch occurred amid extreme weather conditions. The tornado that hit the vessel caused the luxury yacht to sink, leaving the occupants in a critical situation. Rescue teams are still searching for Lynch and the other missing individuals. The situation is complex, and authorities are mobilised to try to locate the missing persons.
The sinking is particularly notable as it comes right after Lynch and Chamberlain were acquitted in a fraud case in the United States. Both faced charges related to the sale of Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard (HP) in 2011 for $11 billion, with allegations that they had inflated the company’s revenue.
Background of the Charges and Trial
Chamberlain and Lynch were charged with conspiracy and fraud, with a total of 15 charges. The accusations arose following the sale of Autonomy to HP, which later claimed to have been misled about the true value of the company. The trial, which took place in San Francisco, resulted in the acquittal of the two executives in June this year.
Chamberlain’s lawyer, Gary Lincenberg, commented on his client’s death, highlighting Chamberlain’s integrity and courage. Lincenberg also noted that Chamberlain fought to clear his name during the trial and that his legacy lives on through his family.
Ongoing Investigations
Cambridgeshire police are conducting an investigation into the hit-and-run incident. The driver of the car involved, a 49-year-old woman, is cooperating with the authorities. An appeal for witnesses has been widely publicised to help clarify the circumstances of the accident.
The situation continues to be closely monitored, both by the authorities and the media. The case is particularly complex due to the connection between the tragic events involving Chamberlain and Lynch.