A man who tragically fell to his death from a cruise ship has been named as the founder of a large UK company.
Jonathan Pfahl lost his life when he fell overboard from the Symphony of the Seas as the Royal Caribbean cruise ship was sailing from St Kitts to St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands.
The London-based businessman, aged in his 30s, drowned after plummeting from the world’s biggest cruise ship in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Although a rescue boat was launched after Mr Pfahl’s fall, it was too late to save the young entrepreneur, whose body was recovered from the water as horrified bystanders looked on.
Mr Pfahl, a native of Sydney and a father-of-two, is believed to have been on a family holiday celebrating the birthday of his wife Lisa.
His remains will be kept on board the Symphony of the Seas until the ship docks in Miami on Saturday.
Mr Pfahl founded the largest British entrepreneurial mentoring organisation, Rockstar Group, in 2007. He held the role of Managing Director at the time of his death.
The Australian-born businessman was reportedly inspired to establish a company aimed at assisting small businesses and start-ups following his time working in financial juggernaut Goldman Sachs.
Rockstar Group has helped establish 6,500 companies in the UK, with its headquarters based in London’s Shard building.
Tributes to Mr Pfahl poured in on social media, as his devastated friends and colleagues attempted to come to terms with his loss.
The British community organisation Yes Group posed on Facebook: ‘We are all saddened to hear about the loss of Jon Pfahl — Jonathan spoke on our stage in London, his enthusiasm to make a difference and take people on a journey was infectious.
‘We will all miss him RIP Jon.’
Co-founder of AmeriCamp Lee McAteer posted: ‘JP was a true Rockstar and helped so many people get their businesses going.
‘I can’t believe I’m writing this.
‘Life is short. Leave your mark. JP you certainly did.
‘RIP my friend and thinking of your family at this time. You will be truly missed.’
