PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) partner Peter Mitchell has died suddenly at the age of 55.

It is understood that Mr. Mitchell was found in an unresponsive state by a family member at his home in Devonshire on Friday morning and was later pronounced dead at the scene by a doctor.

Mr. Mitchell, who was greatly respected in the business community, had been with PWC Bermuda for three decades. He leaves a wife, Cindy, a son and a daughter.

A PwC spokesperson yesterday said fellow staff members were devastated by the news.

PwC Bermuda senior partner Darren Johnston said: "All of us at PwC are shocked and saddened at the loss of a dear colleague and friend. Our hearts go out to Peter's family at this very difficult time.

"Peter joined PwC in the UK in November 1975. He joined the Bermuda firm in 1980 and was admitted to the partnership in 1987. Over a distinguished career, in addition to many other business successes, Peter helped establish and develop a very successful insolvency and corporate finance group in Bermuda and, in 2003, was elected senior partner of the Bermuda firm. Peter went on to be appointed chairman of PwC Caribbean region in 2009.

"By virtue of his wide knowledge and experience, clients and colleagues learned to look to Peter for business insights and strong leadership. He will be sadly missed by partners and staff, both in Bermuda and overseas, and by a broader business community."

John Wight, president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAB) of Bermuda and chief executive officer of BF&M Ltd., said he was devastated by the loss of a great friend.

"ICAB is better for the work that Peter did," Mr. Wight "He participated on the council for several years and made a significant contribution. He was one of those people who could think outside the box.

"We are devastated by this tragic news and our hearts go out to Cindy and the family."

Mr. Wight said Mr. Mitchell had helped him progress in his own career. "When I came out to work for Cooper's and Lybrand in 1984, Peter taught me on my first insurance course.

"We were working together on a Bermuda First committee looking at economic diversification. I was always amazed by the depth of his knowledge about so many things. He was also a really nice person.

"Every way you look at it, this is a tragedy — for his family, for PwC, for ICAB and for Bermuda."