Dragons' Den star Touker Suleyman has released a devastating death statement as he mourns the loss of a close friend. On Wednesday (August 5), the broadcaster took to Instagram to share a smiling photo of his pal while announcing the sad news. He penned: "Sad news that my friend of 45 years, Asaf Gurneri, sadly passed away in Greece on Monday, August 3.
"He was a prominent shipping magnet 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."
A post shared by TOUKER SULEYMAN (@touker_suleyman)
It didn't take long for his famous friends and loyal legion of fans to flock to the comments to pass along their messages of sympathy online. Lizzie Cundy penned: "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 echoed: "May he rest in peace. Condolences to you & his loved ones," as a fourth chimed in with: "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]."
The businessman left the BBC series back in June, sharing a lengthy statement online reflecting on his time on the show. He penned: "After 10 extraordinary years as a Dragon on BBC's Dragons' Den, I have made the decision to step down from the show.
"It has been an immense privilege to sit in that chair, to meet os 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."
Several of Touker's fellow Dragons rallied around to show their support in the comments, with Sarah Davies writing: "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 mogul first appeared on the show back in 2015, joining fellow investors Nick Jenkins and Sarah Willingham, and swiftly established himself as a firm favourite with BBC audiences.