By Paul Harper From METRO UK

A father-of-two who drowned after falling off a cruise ship on the Virgin Islands has been identified as London businessman Jon Pfahl.

Mr Pfahl, 37, was a passenger on the Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of Seas when he fell into the water between St Thomas and St Kitts on Wednesday morning.

The founder of entrepreneur and investment company Rockstar Group had booked the holiday with his wife Lisa and their children for her birthday.

As part of his work, Mr Pfahl, born in Sydney but living in London, regularly mingled with high profile people including Sir Bob Geldof, Richard Branson and Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

His friend Lee McAteer, co-founder of AmeriCamp, said Mr Pfahl was a ‘brilliant, innovative and caring family man who was an inspiration to everyone around him’.

He said: ‘I’m truly stunned and shocked by this tragic news. JP will leave a lasting legacy through his family and all of the people he has helped mentor.’

Another friend Warren Cass wrote on social media: ‘He was outrageous, charismatic, talented and had a huge heart. He will be missed.’

Karen Melanie Gould posted on Facebook: ‘I had a lot of love and respect for this very talented young man. He loved life and lived it to the full.’

Mr Pfahl also performed in a rock band which inspired his company name.

The Royal Caribbean immediately turned around when he fell overboard and launched a rescue boat.

It is not known how Mr Pfahl fell at this stage but he was last seen on the balcony to his cabin.

A statement from Royal Caribbean said: ‘We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred on the Symphony of the Seas en route to Saint Thomas.

‘Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones for their loss, and our care team is providing support and assistance during this difficult time.

‘Upon the initial report that an Australian adult male had gone overboard, our ship immediately turned, launched a rescue boat, and conducted a full-scale search.

‘We are working closely with authorities and will continue to assist in their investigation.’

For more on this story go to:: https://metro.co.uk/2019/08/17/dad-who-died-in-cruise-ship-fall-mixed-with-boris-johnson-and-bob-geldof-10586032/?ito=cbshare