CORSHAM businessman Clive Chapman died suddenly of a mystery illness during a dream trip to the Himalayas.

Mr Chapman, 45, who lived on Box Hill, died last Wednesday while on a walking holiday in Nepal with a group of friends.

Details of the tragedy are scarce, but Mr Chapman is understood to have fallen ill while walking.

He died before medics could reach him.

His body is still in Nepal but is thought to be returning to Britain this week.

Mr Chapman was married to Alison and had two daughters.

He was chief executive of ATA group, a recruitment company based in Bristol.

He had worked for the company for 15 years.

Mr Chapman attended Devizes Comprehensive School followed by Plymouth Polytechnic.

He was always a keen motorsport fan.

He was a member of the Kawasaki motorcycle sports club.

ATA chairman Bill Douie said he was told of Mr Chapman's death on Friday evening.

He said: "We understand Clive was on holiday and contracted a mystery illness.

"But sadly he died before medical attention could reach him."

Mr Douie said in a tribute this week: "He was a towering figure and a highly inspirational and charismatic man."