gay tycoon in death fall

By Pieter Malan (Source: Beeld)

February 14, 2007: A South African-born businessman who is considered to be one of the most-influential gay business leaders in Britain has plunged to his death from the balcony of his luxury eighth-storey flat in London.

Gary Frisch, 38, co-founder of the gay website gaydar.co.uk was found dead in front of his block of flats in Battersea on the River Thames, in London's south-west district about 13:00 on Saturday.

A police spokesperson told Beeld that Frisch's death was being investigated and at present it was regarded as "unexplained".

Did not suspect foul play

Susan Jerry of Q-Soft Consulting, the London company created by Frisch and fellow South African Henry Badenhorst, said on Tuesday it was not clear if Frisch had fallen, or if he had jumped.

She said colleagues and friends did not suspect foul play.

Frisch and Badenhorst, 40, were nominated last year by the British newspaper, Independent on Sunday, as two of Britain's most-influential gay business leaders.

Pop singer Elton John and actor Sir Ian McKellen were the only two higher on the list.