Fans of British reality television are reacting to the sad news that the death of a former contestant on a business and finance-related program died by his own hand.
As GB News reports, Graeme Turner, who gained notoriety as a contender on the hit show Dragons' Den, was discovered deceased in a woodland area in Wales at the age of 53, with his death since ruled a suicide.
It was back on Oct. 1 that Turner was found deceased in Pwllheli, North Wales, though his funeral was not held until Jan. 16, as the Daily Mail reports.
According to Turner's friends, his death came after what was described as “a long battle with illness.”
More specifically, the subsequent formal inquest into his demise led to a declaration of suicide, as delivered by Coroner Kate Robertson.
Turner became known to the television viewing public back in 2010 when he appeared on Dragons' Den to pitch a business idea -- that of customizable, sports-themed children's wallpaper -- to the program's panel of investors.
Though his on-air presentation of his football stadium decor concept did not garner the £50,000 injection of investor capital he had sought, Turner continued to operate his enterprise on an independent basis.
In the wake of Turner's death, his son posted an emotional tribute on social media explaining the profound nature of his loss.
“I have just lost the best, strongest, kindest, most loyal, courageous dad I have ever had and known, he was the godfather, the inspiration in my life,” he began.
The grieving son added, “I am devastated, and that is an understatement.”
Friends of Turner also weighed in on the tragedy, with one writing, “Very sad news, Graeme was a true gentleman and will be sadly missed by all. Condolences to Graeme family and friends.”
Another recalled of Turner, “An absolute gentleman who will be sadly missed by all who knew him, my thoughts are with his family at this sad time, safe now in the arms of Jesus.”
According to the BBC, Dragon's Den is a program in which “aspiring entrepreneurs have one chance to make their dreams come true when they pitch their business idea to five multimillionaire investors," a concept strikingly similar to that of American television's popular, long-running show, Shark Tank.
Given the outpouring of sadness that has followed Turner's death and the tragic declaration of its cause, it is clear that just as in the United States, reality television in Britain continues to bring compelling personalities into the public consciousness in an impressive and enduring way.
