Multimillionaire businessman Joshua Pack was found dead in his rented London mansion just hours after a heated argument with his wife, Jacqueline, over plane tickets. The 51-year-old financier, known for his role in the European expansion of Fortress, a private equity giant owning Poundstretcher and Majestic Wine, died on September 29, 2025, at his home in St John's Wood, Westminster.
Inquest Findings
At Inner West London Coroner's Court, Senior Coroner Professor Fiona Wilcox recorded a conclusion of death by misadventure. While satisfied that Mr. Pack had taken his own life, she ruled there was insufficient evidence of intent to classify it as suicide. The court heard emotional testimony from his wife, Jacqueline, detailing the tensions that escalated in their final hours.
The Final Argument
The couple, high school sweethearts married for 28 years, had been 'rowing all night' and drinking throughout the day. The row intensified when Mr. Pack learned his travel plans to return to the US were disrupted. Jacqueline testified that after returning home, he threw her phone, hit himself with it, and took a knife from a cupboard, asking her to 'stick it into me.' She noted that while they both made impulsive threats during arguments, she never believed they were serious.
Cleaners told police they heard the couple 'screaming and swearing at each other' late into the night before Mr. Pack's death.
Final Communication and Discovery
The last message from Mr. Pack's phone was sent at midnight, arranging a morning airport pickup. However, he never made the flight. The next morning, Jacqueline awoke unsure if her husband was home. After failing to reach him, his PA said he had already checked in for his flight to Texas—unbeknownst to her, the airline had automatically done so.
Believing he was at the airport, Jacqueline headed there herself. But growing uneasy about a locked upstairs bedroom, she messaged staff to break down the door if necessary. At the airport lounge, the housekeeper called to confirm Mr. Pack was dead. Jacqueline said, 'I collapsed. Josh was my best friend and I don't believe he would have wanted to end his life.'
Cleaners discovered Mr. Pack's body in a locked top-floor bedroom. Police found no evidence of third-party involvement or prior planning.
Coroner's Remarks
Professor Wilcox noted Mr. Pack's history of impulsive behaviour, jet lag, extreme upset after the argument, work stress from a major deal, and alcohol consumption. She also mentioned that Mr. Pack had previously lost a brother to suicide.
Remembering Joshua Pack
According to an obituary, Mr. Pack came from 'humble beginnings.' He and Jacqueline met in a history class at Rancho Buena Vista High School near San Diego. After university, he rose through finance, joining Fortress in 2002. A graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, he was remembered for his kindness, generosity, and commitment to serving others, particularly in finding cures for type 1 diabetes and breast cancer.
A tribute from Fortress read: 'Josh Pack was one of the very first members of our team. Over 23 years, he shared his leadership, investment prowess, and friendship with us, and left an indelible mark on our organisation. We will forever be inspired by his unrelenting focus on our franchise, as well as his humour and his devotion to family.'
