‘Common tragedy’ clause in will nets Oxfam £41 million

'Common tragedy' clause in will nets Oxfam £41 million

A business tycoon who died in a plane crash has reportedly left £41 million to the charity Oxfam.

Richard Cousins, 58, who was the head of the catering giant Compass, died in a seaplane crash near Sydney at the end of last year.

He had planned to leave his wealth to his sons William, 25, and Edward, 23, however, they died with him, along with his fiance and her daughter.

He had, however, drawn up a new will before the tragedy, including a “common tragedy clause” which was triggered following their deaths.

The main beneficiary in the will is Oxfam, which will receive all but £3m of the fortune. Mr Cousins’ brothers, Simon and Andrew, were left £1m each, The Sun reports.

One source told the paper: “It’s the kind of bequest charities dream of. There will rightly be heavy scrutiny of how the money is spent.”

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