Tributes have been paid to an “exceptional” artist and “beautiful” composer, who died earlier this week at the age of 57.
Former Real Housewives of Jersey star Tessa Hartmann announced the death of her husband Sascha in an emotional social media post.
She said that Mr Hartmann passed away “suddenly” on Wednesday 24 June in Lugano in Switzerland, where the couple had relocated late last year.
The Hartmanns moved to Jersey from Scotland in 2015, bringing their branding and communications business Hartmann House to the Island.
They became well-known figures in the Island’s social and business community through the Jersey Style Awards, before finding a wider television audience on ITVBe’s The Real Housewives of Jersey.
The series included a romantic renewal of their wedding vows at their former home, La Rochelle, near Gorey.
Mr Hartmann was also recognised for his distinctive pop art-inspired work. Last year, his artwork featured on takeaway cups used by Coopers cafés to encourage customers to reduce waste and protect Jersey’s marine environment.
In her tribute, Mrs Hartmann said the couple had been preparing to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary this August.
“Instead, I am organising his funeral,” she wrote.
Describing her husband as “one of a kind”, she said he was “an exceptional artist, a beautiful composer and pianist, with a brilliant mind and the most wonderfully gentle soul”, adding that above all he was “the most devoted father” to their four children.
“The past 24 hours have passed in a blur. We are utterly shattered. Broken beyond anything I could ever have imagined,” added Mrs Hartmann.
“We will keep playing your songs, telling your stories, and carrying your love with us for the rest of our lives.
“Until we meet again, my love. My person. My soulmate. My best friend.”
Pop star Tallia Storm paid tribute to her father, writing: “My heart is broken. I can not understand any of this. Our world has shattered and will never be the same. My amazing dad. You were my world and you will continue to be forever.”
Islanders also shared tributes to Mr Hartmann in the comments.
Jennifer Uner wrote: “Sascha is so spirited and special, and his place in your beautiful boisterous family unmatched. I cannot even imagine the loss.”
Steven Hunt said: “This is such a shock and so sad. The closeness of you all and Sascha’s love and support for you was so evident. He really was a lovely man.”
Gerry Thomson described Mr Hartmann as a “lovely and charismatic gentleman” who was “full of enthusiasm”.
Suzie McGuire Irvine added that he was “one-in-a-million” and will “always be remembered with so much love”.
Mr Hartmann’s funeral will take place in Lugano in Switzerland.
