Ben Fogle honours late castaway David Glasheen who ‘found happiness after losing millions’

Ben Fogle has paid tribute to the late castaway and former millionaire David Glasheen after he featured in the Channel 5 docu-series New Lives in the Wild.

It was announced over the weekend that the former stockbroker died aged 81, after he made a name for himself for his stripped-back lifestyle.

He lived alone on Restoration Island, off North East Australia, with only his dog Quassi for company, until the dingo died in 2018 from a snake bite.

Glasheen moved to the remote island in 1997 after losing his fortune in the stock exchange crash Black Monday, when the market fell by 22% in two days.

TV presenter Fogle, 51, has now shared a heartfelt statement in tribute to Glasheen, saying he was ‘so sad’ to hear the former gold mining tycoon and property magnate had died.

‘He was one of the first Wildmen I visited for New Lives in the Wild,’ wrote Fogle in a caption to a post on Instagram. ‘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.’

Fogle then added: ‘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.’

He then ended the caption with a green love heart emoji, writing: ‘Rest in Peace Dave.’

Glasheen previously shared his plans to die on the remote island, where he had no access to electricity, fresh water or internet.

Speaking in June 2017, David said: ‘I want to die here – where else would I? This is my heaven on earth.

‘When I came here I was sick of money – money is what makes people sick – and my marriage had broken apart.

‘But being on your own you do miss intelligent conversation and the physical contact of other people.’

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