Acclaimed Rolls-Royce Designer Murdered in Suspected Car Theft

In the early 2000s, luxury British car brand Rolls-Royce underwent a rebirth after its purchase by BMW . Part of that legacy has now been lost, as Ian Cameron, the man who helmed the design of some gorgeous Rolls-Royce models during this time, has died at the age of 74 after a brutal attack outside his home.

Cameron was stabbed to death at his home on Ammersee lake in Bavaria, Germany on July 12, according to Automotive News . The attacker fled the scene, and police believe the culprit was trying to steal a car from Cameron's impressive collection. His wife was able to escape by climbing over a wall to their neighbor's house and calling for help.

Cameron's career started with Pininfarina in 1975, and he began working for BMW's design team in 1992. After BMW took over Rolls-Royce, he took on the role of leading the Rolls-Royce design team, designing breathtaking products like the famous Ghost and reborn Phantom models . He retired from Rolls-Royce in 2012 after a decade of supervising the brand's reinvention.

"We are deeply shocked and saddened by the news about our former Rolls-Royce designer," BMW said in a statement to Automotive News . "Our thoughts are with his family and friends during these difficult hours."

Rolls-Royce similarly expressed their sadness.

"Ian played a significant role in shaping Rolls-Royce from when it was first acquired by BMW Group and moved to its home at Goodwood, West Sussex," the automaker said in a separate statement. "During Ian’s tenure, he led the design team for all Phantom family and Ghost models, creating thoroughly contemporary motor cars that remained sympathetic to the marque’s design lineage."