Stephen Chamberlain, the former Vice President of Finance at Autonomy and a key figure in the U.S. fraud trial alongside UK tech tycoon Mike Lynch, tragically passed away following a car accident in Cambridgeshire. The incident occurred on August 17, 2024, while Chamberlain, 52, was out jogging in the early morning. He was struck by a vehicle on Newmarket Road in Stretham, Cambridgeshire, and was critically injured. Chamberlain was airlifted to a nearby hospital, where he was placed on life support. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, his life support was turned off the following day due to the severity of his injuries.
Chamberlain's death has come at a tumultuous time, coinciding with the disappearance of his former boss, Mike Lynch, who has been missing since his luxury yacht, the Bayesian, sank off the coast of Sicily during a violent storm. Lynch, 59, was one of six people aboard the £14 million vessel, which was caught in a freak tornado and capsized. The incident occurred near the port of Porticello, where extreme weather conditions, including high winds and rain, led to the formation of waterspouts that struck the 184-foot superyacht, causing it to sink over 160 feet below the surface. As of now, Lynch and five others remain unaccounted for.
Chamberlain's role in the tech world was significant, particularly in his work at Autonomy, where he served as Vice President of Finance alongside Lynch, the company's chief executive. The two were deeply involved in the company's sale to Hewlett-Packard in 2011, a transaction that later became the center of a legal battle. In the U.S. fraud trial, both Chamberlain and Lynch were accused of inflating the value of Autonomy, which was once the largest software firm in Britain, before its sale to Hewlett-Packard. The trial, which garnered widespread attention, concluded in June 2024 with both men being acquitted of all 15 charges by a jury in San Francisco.
After leaving Autonomy in 2012, Chamberlain continued to build his career in finance and technology. He worked as the Chief Operating Officer for Darktrace, a cybersecurity firm that has gained recognition for its innovative use of artificial intelligence in threat detection. In addition to his professional pursuits, Chamberlain was actively involved in his local community, serving as the treasurer of Hardwick FC, a team in the Cambridgeshire County League, for over 14 years. He also held the position of Finance Director at Cambridge United, contributing his financial expertise to the soccer club.
Stephen Chamberlain was widely regarded as a man of integrity and dedication, both in his professional and personal life. His lawyer, Gary Lincenberg, described him as a "courageous man with unparalleled integrity" who "fought successfully to clear his good name." Chamberlain leaves behind a legacy of professionalism and community service, and his loss is deeply felt by his family, friends, and colleagues.
Cambridgeshire Police have appealed for witnesses to the accident that claimed Chamberlain's life, as investigations continue. His family has expressed their grief in a statement, calling him "an amazing individual" who made a "lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him."
