Ukrainian-born oligarch Mikhail Watford found dead in Surrey mansion

3 March 2022, 00:19 | Updated: 3 March 2022, 10:33

Entrance road to Wentworth Estate, where Mikhail Watford, 66, was found dead
Entrance road to Wentworth Estate, where Mikhail Watford, 66, was found dead. Picture: Alamy

By Megan Hinton

A Ukranian-born oligarch who who made his fortune in oil and gas, has been found dead in his mansion in Surrey.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

The body of Mikhail Watford, 66, was found by a gardener on the Wentworth Estate in Virginia Water, Surrey, on Monday.

According to The Sun, police are treating the father-of-three’s death as 'unexplained', but not suspicious.

He lived in an £18million mansion on one of the most sought after estates in Britain with his Estonian wife Jane, their two children and an older son from his first marriage.

Police are treating the death as 'unexplained'
Police are treating the death as 'unexplained'. Picture: Linkedin

A family friend reportedly told the newspaper: "His state of mind might have been affected by the situation in the Ukraine.

"The timing of his death and the invasion of Ukraine was surely not coincidental."

Mr Watford’s wife shared a picture of her kissing him, while holding a cigar, on Facebook after his death with friend Gazolina Di Pitim writing to Mrs Watford, saying: "He had such a beautiful life because he met you. To me your story is one of the greatest love stories. This is love for ever."

Expert explains influence Oligarchs wield over Putin

Read more: First city falls to Russia as Putin's army attack civilians in 'a blatant campaign of terror'

Read more: Roman Abramovich puts Chelsea up for sale with money set to go to victims of Ukraine war

A Surrey Police spokesman said: "We were called around midday on February 28 following reports of the discovery of a man’s body.

"An ambulance was called but the man, who was in his 60s, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

"An investigation into the circumstances of the death is under way but it is not believed there any suspicious circumstances."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Donald Trump reacts after July 13 assassination attempt

Trump struck by bullet during assassination attempt, FBI says

France was rocked by a series of attacks against railway lines early on Friday

Celine Dion kicks off Paris Olympics in rain-drenched opening ceremony after France rocked by rail arson attacks

Highs of 27C are coming this weekend

Heatwave on the way as temperatures to hit 27C this weekend - will your area get some sunshine?

The Park Fire burns along a road in California

Man arrested over California fire sparked by burning car pushed into gully

Israel has hit out at Britain's decision

Israel hits out at Starmer for dropping Britain's challenge to international arrest warrant for Netanyahu

Justin Timberlake at a premiere

Timberlake ‘not intoxicated’ and drink-drive charge should be dismissed – lawyer

What is your least favourite chocolate bars?

Brits divided over UK’s ‘worst chocolate bar’ with one Christmas classic branded ‘disgusting’

The French weather has been wet ahead of the opening ceremony

'Disaster' as flood warning issued for Paris ahead of Olympic opening ceremony, after arsonists target French railways

A crying woman at the site of a mudslide in Ethiopia

Ethiopia declares three days of mourning as toll of mudslide victims increases

Hongchi Xiao has been found guilty of the manslaughter of Danielle Carr-Gomm

Alternative healer found guilty of manslaughter of pensioner in slapping therapy workshop

Kennie Carter

Four teens jailed over revenge murder of 16-year-old Kennie Carter in Manchester, as heartbroken mother pays tribute

Graziano Di Prima has been placed under medical supervision

Ex-Strictly pro Graziano Di Prima 'placed under medical supervision' after being axed over Zara McDermott abuse claims

Insolvent Ted Baker could be set to close all its stores in a matter of weeks

Ted Baker to ‘close all stores’ in a matter of weeks as hundreds face unemployment

Nasa may have found a sign of life on Mars

Nasa finds Mars rock that 'may have hosted life', with mysterious 'features we've never seen before'

Barack Obama with Kamala Harris

Barack and Michelle Obama give endorsement for Kamala Harris’s White House bid

The police officer is facing a criminal investigation

Police officer who kicked man in the head in Manchester airport under criminal investigation for assault