Tributes have been paid to former Holiday Extras executive Ashley Close, who has died at the age of 43.
Formerly head of travel insurance partnerships, he had worked with the ancillaries provider for a total of 11 years, after joining the company as a senior travel consultant in 2001.
He left the travel sector in June 2018 and was most recently franchise director at Trulawn Kent – an artificial grass specialist – but he had kept in contact with travel industry friends and former colleagues.
Kent police had launched an appeal for information after he went missing on Friday (August 11) but the search was called off after a body was found in Ashford.
Cherie Richards, homeworker recruitment and business development lead at Hays Travel, met Ashley during his time at Holiday Extras and had kept in touch over the years as they both moved on to different employers.
She said: “In the travel industry, we all value our partnerships and Ash and the team were no different.
“Ash was a professional and supportive travel partner and, of course, I was privileged to be invited to many a travel event as a guest of Holiday Extras.
“We have children of similar ages, so it was great to share stories with each other.
“Ashley had always kept in touch with a check-in now and then, with him sending a message just last week to ask that I keep him updated about any potential roles back in the travel industry.
“He left travel but travel never left him – I thought he would always be destined to return.
“When I saw Ashley was missing, I really wanted him to return home safe so I was really sad to wake up to the sad news.
“I am thinking of his son, family, friends and his former industry work colleagues at this very sad time.”
A spokesperson for Holiday Extras said: “The whole team at Holiday Extras were saddened to see the incredibly sad news of Ashley’s passing this weekend. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”