Ian Cameron, a former head designer for Rolls-Royce, was found dead just outside his mansion in Herrsching, Bavaria, Germany on Friday evening, July 12, 2024. The 74-year-old British national was discovered with multiple stab wounds, igniting a manhunt for the assailant.
The incident occurred at Cameron’s residence near Lake Ammersee, a peaceful area in Upper Bavaria. Police reports suggest that the attacker disabled the CCTV cameras by cutting the power cables before committing the violent act.
The assailant, described as a man between 5 feet 11 inches and 6 feet 2 inches tall, wearing light-colored trousers, a dark blue hoodie, yellow-green gloves, and carrying a red rucksack, fled the scene on foot. The suspect was seen at a supermarket near the crime scene hours earlier and later changed clothes to avoid detection.
Cameron’s wife, Veronika Kloos, managed to escape the attack by climbing over a wall and alerting the police from a neighbor’s house.
“We are deeply shocked and saddened by the news about our former Rolls-Royce designer. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during these difficult hours,” BMW said in a statement, reflecting the sentiment of those who knew him professionally and personally.
Ian Cameron had a distinguished career at Rolls-Royce, joining the company after BMW acquired its automotive business in 1998. He played a pivotal role in designing iconic models such as the Phantom, Ghost, BMW 3 Series, and Z8. Cameron retired in 2013 but left an indelible mark on the luxury car brand.
Cameron was instrumental in bringing a modern yet timeless design philosophy to Rolls-Royce, earning accolades for his work. His designs were known for blending contemporary aesthetics with the brand’s rich heritage, a testament to his visionary approach.
The investigation is ongoing. German police are conducting a nationwide manhunt using various techniques, including super-recognizers, to identify the suspect from CCTV footage. Police teams, aided by dogs and helicopters, are extensively searching the area for any potential evidence related to the crime.
The tragedy has affected Cameron’s immediate family and resonated deeply with colleagues and admirers worldwide.