One of the most important people in Rolls-Royce’s recent history has been murdered. Ian Cameron, the automaker’s former 74-year-old former chief designer, was stabbed to death at home last week.
German police are searching for the killer who attacked Cameron as he answered the door. The suspect apparently cut Cameron’s security camera cables before the stabbing, giving law enforcement few leads to pursue in the murder.
Cameron’s wife, Verena Kloos, escaped unhurt and ran to a neighbor’s house to call police. While the attacker’s identity remains unknown, officials believe them to be a male looking to gain access to Cameron’s valuable car collection.
Rolls-Royce issued a statement to the UK’s Car Dealer Magazine, saying, “We were deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Ian Cameron, who was the director of design at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars from 1999 to 2012. Ian played a significant role in shaping Rolls-Royce from when it was first acquired by BMW Group and moved to its home at Goodwood, West Sussex. During Ian’s tenure, he led the design team for all Phantom family and Ghost models, creating thoroughly contemporary motor cars that remained sympathetic to the marque’s design lineage. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this very difficult time.”
Though it has been more than a decade since Cameron last designed a Rolls-Royce, his impact can still be seen in the automaker’s vehicles today. The Phantom and Ghost, while having been updated over the years, still carry many of the prominent design elements Cameron created, so his legacy cannot be understated.
[Images: Rolls-Royce]
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