Stephen Chamberlain, a former vice-president of finance at Autonomy and a key figure in a high-profile US fraud trial, passed away in hospital three days after being struck by a car while jogging in Cambridgeshire. The incident occurred on August 17, 2024, as Chamberlain was about six miles into his run, having started from Ely that morning.
The 52-year-old was hit by a vehicle driven by a 49-year-old woman from Haddenham around 10:10 am. The collision resulted in significant injuries, with traumatic head injury cited as the cause of death. Chamberlain was transported to Addenbrooke’s hospital in Cambridge but succumbed to his injuries on August 20.
At the inquest held in Alconbury, Coroner Caroline Jones described the circumstances of the accident, noting that Chamberlain was crossing the road between two sections of a bridleway when struck by the car. The inquest has been adjourned pending the police investigation and potential prosecutions.
Chamberlain’s death occurred shortly after Mike Lynch, a fellow associate and the founder of Autonomy, and six others died in a maritime disaster when the Bayesian superyacht capsized off Sicily on August 19. The Italian authorities are investigating the incident, with three crew members, including the captain, under scrutiny for manslaughter and shipwreck charges.
Chamberlain and Lynch were recently cleared of US fraud charges related to the $11 billion sale of Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard (HP) in 2011. The sale, initially hailed as a major success, later faced scrutiny when HP alleged significant accounting irregularities, leading to a substantial devaluation of the company. Lynch and Chamberlain were indicted in 2018 for conspiracy and wire fraud, but were found not guilty in June 2024. Sushovan Hussain, the company’s finance chief at the time, was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison.
Chamberlain’s family released a statement through the police, describing him as a “much-loved husband, father, son, brother and friend” whose life was dedicated to helping others. His lawyer, Gary Lincenberg, praised Chamberlain’s successful efforts to clear his name at trial, highlighting his enduring legacy.