Millionaire turned “castaway” David Glasheen, who moved to a desert island after losing his vast fortune in the stock exchange crash, has died aged 81. Ben Fogle broke the news on Instagram although no cause of death was given. David featured in BeN’s Channel 5 documentary New Lives In The Wild showing his stripped back lifestyle. He also appeared with Doc Martin star Martin Clunes on his ITV travelogue My Travels and Other Animals in 2019. He acheived further globalk fame thanks to his best selling 2019 book The Millionaire Castaway which sold more than 250,000 copies worldwide, and hit the bestseller lists in the United Kingdom.

Ben paid tribute to the ex-gold mining tycoon and property magnate, who was once worth $22 million writing: “So sad to hear that Dave Glasheen has passed away. He was one of the first Wildmen I visited for New Lives in the Wild. He lived alone on Restoration Island in North Eastern Australia with just his beloved dog/dingo cross, Quassi for company.

“Dave had lost his multi million dollar fortune overnight and on a whim moved to remote Restoration island where he finally found happiness in tranquility and isolation.

“He really was one of a kind and I feel so fortunate to have met him a few times and spent time with him on his little Australian paradise.

“It saddens me that so many of the folk I have met over the years are passing away but it is also a reminder of the value and preciousness of life.

“Make the most of this short time we have. Dave was 81 and lived the richest life I know. Dave found true happiness when he lost his millions and reconnected with nature. Rest in Peace Dave,” he concluded.

Having walked away from his life after losing his fortune, Dave lived in a wooden beach shack with only his loyal dog Polly for company.

He faced a daily battle for survival with limited electricity and fresh water available and deadly wildlife roaming freely but depsite this he insisted he felt safe on the island in an interview a few years ago.

“Here there are snakes, spiders and crocodiles but it is safer here than lots of other parts of the world when you hear about terrorist attacks,” he said.

“I love it here because I have my safety, no matter how old and how tough you are you still want to go to bed knowing you are not going to be attacked,” he said.