Ellis Wines buyer Matthew Cooper dies

Head buyer at Ellis Wines Matthew Cooper, who worked at the company for 25 years, has died from injuries sustained in an accident.

Cooper was involved in an accident abroad and suffered a major injury from which he did not recover. He was surrounded by his family when he passed away in hospital last week.

Cooper had worked at Ellis Wines for 25 years, and his work as head buyer was instrumental to the development of the company’s portfolio.

In a press release put out by Ellis Wines, Cooper was commended as a “much loved colleague and friend”.

“Matthew’s zest for life and extraordinary ability to make everyone feel special will be sorely missed. He loved to share his knowledge of wine and so much more, which was an inspiration to all those around him,” it read. “All of our producers and partners across the world held Matthew in the highest regard and he struck abiding friendships with so many of them.”

“His enthusiasm, joie de vivre and positive and outgoing nature endeared him to all who knew him. We have all lost a great friend and his passing leaves a huge gap at Ellis Wines and the wine world as a whole.”

In addition to his work in wine, Cooper was an avid West Ham supporter, and enjoyed watching cricket and playing golf. He leaves behind two children.