Shahzada Dawood’s widow receives a fraction of his wealth due to lack of a valid UK will
London: The tragic story of Shahzada Dawood, who died in the Titan sub disaster, has taken a shocking turn. His wife, Christine, was left with less than £100,000 after it was revealed he didn’t have a valid will in the UK.
Shahzada, along with his 19-year-old son Suleman, lost their lives when the submersible imploded during a trip to the Titanic wreck in June 2023. They were part of a group that included three other men, all of whom perished.
At the time of his death, Shahzada was one of Pakistan’s wealthiest individuals, managing a business empire worth £1.3 billion. His personal net worth was estimated at £285 million.
Despite this immense wealth, Christine was left with just £76,958 from his UK estate. They lived in a Surrey mansion with their daughter Alina, but most of Shahzada’s fortune was tied up in Pakistan, complicating matters.
After his passing, a Grant of Letters of Administration was issued, which is standard when someone dies without a valid will. This meant that the estate was managed by a close relative, typically the spouse.
The Titan sub disaster made headlines when it lost communication during its voyage on June 18, 2023. Among those on board were notable figures like OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush and British businessman Hamish Harding.
Debris from the sub was found about 3,700 meters deep in the ocean, not far from the Titanic’s resting place. Following the incident, a lawsuit was filed by the family of one of the victims against OceanGate.
A hearing regarding the deaths of the five men began in Charleston, South Carolina, the following month. Christine expressed her grief, stating, “No parent should have to grieve for their child. It’s unnatural.”
A family friend remarked that Shahzada would never have put his family in harm’s way, emphasizing how much he loved them. It’s a heartbreaking situation that has left many in shock.
