Tarik Wildman was found dead at his luxury villa in Marbella, Spain, shortly after returning from an Italian car rally. His sudden passing has sent shockwaves through the close-knit communities of vintage car enthusiasts and social elites who knew him as both a passionate rally driver and vibrant personality. Why do authorities believe natural causes led to his death despite the pending autopsy results?
A Life Cut Short in Marbella
Tarik Wildman, a 65-year-old tycoon with deep connections in British high society, was discovered dead at his luxury villa in Marbella, Spain. The tragic discovery came just hours after he had returned from participating in a car rally in Italy, an activity that reflected his lifelong passion for vintage automobiles.
🚨 Discovery details
• Tarik Wildman, 65, found dead on June 8, 2025, at his Marbella villa.
• Returned hours earlier from organizing Team Schh rally in Italy with his Lancia Flamina.
• Died peacefully in sleep, but cause remains unknown pending autopsy.
• Lived in the… pic.twitter.com/nXrD1Kt4Or— Snap Media (@SnapMediaLive) June 11, 2025
While police investigations are ongoing, preliminary findings suggest Wildman died of natural causes. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death, with results still pending as friends and family begin the mourning process.
British wine tycoon found dead in his luxury Spanish villa https://t.co/kZebWKmiIK
— The Standard (@theLDNstandard) June 11, 2025
Distinguished Heritage and Connections
Wildman was born as the son of Frederick Wildman Jnr., who hailed from a prominent American wine exporting family. His mother, the Honorable Corinna Cunliffe, added British nobility to his lineage and was well-known in her own right as a fashion magazine editor.
His connections extended through marriage to Susan O’Reilly, daughter of Sir Anthony O’Reilly, further cementing his position within elite circles. This international background granted him an unusual triple citizenship—British, American, and Irish—reflecting the global nature of his life and interests.
British Millionaire Tarik Wildman Found Dead at Luxury Marbella Villa in Spain – https://t.co/4nV96xtybs pic.twitter.com/8iCO4MJ9H5
— M10News (@M10News1) June 11, 2025
Passion for Vintage Racing and Vibrant Legacy
Among car enthusiasts, Wildman was revered for his knowledge and dedication to vintage automobiles. As an active member of the Classic and Sports Car Club of Andalucia (CSCCA), he regularly participated in rallies across Europe, sharing his passion with fellow collectors and racers.
Friends described Wildman as a “party animal” and “force of nature” whose approach to life was characterized by boundless enthusiasm and generosity. His sudden passing leaves behind not just a grieving family but countless friends who remember him as someone who truly lived life to its fullest.
The high society tycoon leaves behind what one friend described as a “bigger than life legacy” that spans multiple countries and communities. His passion for vintage cars, zest for adventure, and vibrant personality ensured he made a lasting impression on everyone he encountered during his 65 years.