Dragons' Den star Touker Suleyman has been left devastated after the sudden death of his close friend, shipping magnate Asaf Gurneri. The 71-year-old took to Instagram on Wednesday (August 5) to share a heartfelt tribute and a beaming photograph of his late friend.
Suleyman wrote: "Sad news that my friend of 45 years, Asaf Gurneri, sadly passed away in Greece on Monday, August 3. He was a prominent shipping magnate in Turkey. He lived for the sea and died in the sea, swimming in Greece. He will be missed in the shipping community worldwide. My thoughts are with his family."
Celebrity friends and fans offer condolences
Following the emotional post, Suleyman's celebrity friends and Dragons' Den co-stars rushed to the comments section to offer their support. Lizzie Cundy wrote: "So very sorry [prayer emoji]," while another added: "So sorry to read this [prayer emoji, white heart emoji]. Sending healing vibes to you all."
A third commented: "May he rest in peace. Condolences to you & his loved ones," and a fourth wrote: "My sincere condolences to you on the recent loss of a dear friend. May he rest in eternal peace [prayer emoji, white heart emoji, prayer emoji]."
Recent departure from Dragons' Den
The tragic news comes just weeks after Suleyman announced he was stepping down from Dragons' Den after 10 years on the BBC show. In a lengthy statement posted in June, he said: "After 10 extraordinary years as a Dragon on BBC's Dragons' Den, I have made the decision to step down from the show."
He added: "It has been an immense privilege to sit in that chair, to meet as many passionate and talented entrepreneurs, and to invest in businesses and people I truly believed in. The show gave me a platform not only to invest in leading British founders and companies, but to share hard-won wisdom built over decades in businesses – and I hope that, in some small way, I made a difference to those who stood opposite me."
Fellow Dragons also paid tribute to Suleyman in the comments. Sarah Davies wrote: "You are just the most amazing Dragon Touks, and it's been the highlight of my career sitting beside you for six years and soaking up your wisdom. You'll be a huge miss on the show! Love you tons!"
Peter Jones added: "Touker, it's been the best 10 years! You have been incredible and helped change so many people's lives. I've loved every moment, from your very first day to your last, spending time with you in the Den and after filming, talking about the day. We will miss you. Your contribution to Dragons' Den and the many lives you have changed for the better is special. Sending you a huge PJ and [heart emoji]."
The retail and manufacturing tycoon first appeared on the show in 2015, joining fellow investors Nick Jenkins and Sarah Willingham. His quick wit and no-nonsense approach to business quickly made him a beloved figure among BBC viewers.
