Head of security at Davos found dead in apparent suicide ahead of the World Economic Forum

By Alexandra Williams
The Daily Mail
Jan. 29, 2010

The police chief in charge of security for the World Economic Forum has been found dead in an apparent suicide.

The body of Markus Reinhardt, 61, was discovered in his hotel room yesterday morning in Davos, the Swiss ski resort hosting the five-day forum.

The event starts today and will attract 2,500 of the world’s business and political elite from 90 countries.

Reinhardt had been captain of Graubuenden’s cantonal police since 1984 and had the momentous task of organising security for the forum.

Last year was his 25th event as head of security. When asked about his recipe for success he said: 'A security plan is only as good as the secrecy surrounding it.'

Attendees will include French President Nicolas Sarkozy, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates and European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet.

In the past it has hosted Nelson Mandela, Bill Clinton, Tony Blair, Bono, Sharon Stone and Angelina Jolie.

Barbara Janom Steiner, the cantonal minister for justice, safety and health, said Reinhardt’s death was a 'a personal tragedy'.

She added: 'All indications point to suicide.'

She declined to comment on how he died. An investigation has been launched into his death by the canton’s chief prosecutor.

Marcel Suter, a high-ranking police official in the canton, has taken over as head of security arrangements for the WEF.

Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf, head of the Federal Department of Justice and Police, said: 'He was a very committed man with extraordinary expertise and also a lot of heart. He was someone you could rely on. I express my deepest sympathy to his family.'

The WEF was formed by German-born businessman Klaus Schwab in 1971. It is a non-profit organisation with headquarters in Geneva and is funded by the varying subscription fees of its members. The aim is to discuss economic and social challenges facing the world.

A spokeswoman for the event said: 'This has nothing to do with the meeting.'