Mike Lynch co-defendant Stephen Chamberlain dies after car crash in Cambridgeshire

The co-defendant of the British tech tycoon Michael Lynch – who is currently missing in Italy – died in a car accident.

Stephen Chamberlain, 52, was Lynch's co-defendant in his US fraud trial, in which both men were acquitted following the sale of software giant Autonomy for $11 billion (£8.64 billion).

Mr Chamberlain died when he was fatally struck by the vehicle while jogging in Cambridgeshire on Saturday and his family have now paid their last respects.

Mr Lynch and his daughter are currently missing after sinking of luxury yacht off the coast of Sicily on Monday.

Mr Chamberlain's family described him as a “much loved husband, father, son, brother and friend”.

“He was an amazing human being whose sole purpose in life was to help others in any way possible,” they added.

“He left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

“He will be greatly missed, but he will remain forever in the hearts of his loved ones.”

Mr Chamberlain died in hospital at around 10.10am (BST) on Saturday following the crash on the A1123 near Stretham in Cambridgeshire.

The driver of the car, a 49-year-old woman from Haddenham, remained at the scene of the accident and is assisting with the investigation.

Gary Lincenberg, Mr Chamberlain’s lawyer, also described his client as a “courageous man”.

“Our dear client and friend Steve Chamberlain was fatally struck by a car while jogging on Saturday,” he said.

“He was a courageous man with unparalleled integrity. We miss him deeply.

“Steve successfully fought to clear his good name in court earlier this year and his good name now lives on through his wonderful family.”

Mr. Chamberlain was the former Vice President of Finance at Autonomy.

Before his trial in the US, he was Chief Operating Officer of the British cybersecurity company Darktrace.

A Darktrace spokesman said he made a “significant contribution” to the team in its early years.

“Steve was well-liked by his colleagues and leaves behind many friends at Darktrace,” they added.

“We extend our deepest condolences to his wife and the rest of his family. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.”

Mr Lynch also had connections to Cambridgeshire after studying natural sciences at Cambridge University.

He grew up near Chelmsford in Essex and last lived at Loudham Hall in Suffolk.

The search for the missing people from the yacht off the coast of Sicily was resumed on Tuesday.

Six tourists – including Mr Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter – remain missing from the yacht named Bayesian.

It was hit by severe storms in the early hours of Monday morning.

Also missing are Jonathan Bloomer, CEO of Morgan Stanley International Bank, and Chris Morvillo, a lawyer at Clifford Chance.