Afternoon:
14°c
Mystery of model who vanished after 'drugs overdose' death of her lover
Robert Mendick and Anna Davis20.02.09
MYSTERY today surrounded a model who has vanished after the death of her millionaire banker lover from a drugs overdose.
Kyara Dekker is said to be devastated by his death and has not been seen or heard from for 24 hours. She left a message on a friend's mobile phone, saying: "I'm going away, goodbye."
Her lover, Melvin Sabour, managing director of a firm boasting a $500million investment portfolio, died in front of her at his Mayfair flat after apparently bingeing on cocaine.
Mr Sabour, 44, known to friends as Tom, was pronounced dead at the scene on Sunday night after Ms Dekker, 28, called an ambulance.
Police said today they were not treating the death of Mr Sabour as suspicious but want to know who supplied the drugs.
Ms Dekker had apparently argued with Mr Sabour the night before he died. She returned to the flat on Sunday to find him agitated and high on drugs. He suffered convulsions and then stopped breathing.
A close friend, Nicole Sconciaforni, said today that Ms Dekker was due to appear at London Fashion Week, modelling her collection - although the mystery deepened when London Fashion Week organisers said they had no record of Ms Sconciaforni displaying either on the official schedule or "off-schedule".
Meanwhile at a flat in Fulham where Ms Dekker used to live, the landlord said she had moved out last year, leaving no forwarding address. At Mr Sabour's offices in Berkeley Square a receptionist said nobody had been at AKN Investments all week. Ms Sconciaforni told today how Ms Dekker had called her on Sunday night to say her lover had died.
She said: "Kyara is in pieces. She told me Tom was taking cocaine and then blood started coming from his mouth and he was dead. It was as sudden as that. She said the ambulance came but they couldn't do anything for him. She couldn't believe it.
"Kyara is devastated and has been drinking to forget ever since. She has been back clubbing but it was only to help her to forget. She is stunningly beautiful and gets lots of attention. Tom was handsome but he could not live with his jealousy."
Ms Sconciaforni added: "I'm shocked. I knew them really well. Kyara is meant to be modelling my collection at next week's London Fashion Show. She's got a lot of shows lined up." She said she had not seen Ms Dekker for more than 24 hours and that she had left a phone message simply saying: "I'm going away, goodbye."
Mr Sabour was born in Iran but educated in the US. He practised law in New York before moving to London in 2007, joining AKN Investments as managing director of its London office.
His parents, who live in Salt Lake City in Utah, were unavailable for comment last night.
A family friend said they are devastated and cannot believe that their "brilliant" son would be involved in drugs.
Ms Sconciaforni, who was born in Russia, is a regular on the social circuit. Last month she was arrested outside Mahiki nightclub in Dover Street for driving under the influence, driving without a licence and obstruction.
Reader views (9)
For all the privalege and status afforded Mr.Sabour, drugs did not discriminate when such a tragedy occurs. Mr.Sabour would clearly have known the risks of using such an illegal substance and doubtless, given his wealth, in copious amounts. I have absolutely no pity for him. Let him be an example to other people foolish enough to get involved with cocaine. I would suggest that Ms.Dekker participated with Mr.Sabour's drug use, and should be questioned by the police accordingly, if or when she turns up. I have zero tolerence for people like this. Lock them up I say.
- Anthony, London, UK
What a tragic story for all involved,Drugs and drink can affect any class,Its the people left behind that are the ones who have to bear the loss,regards
- Tracey, SCOTLAND
I find it most offensive that two insignificant people who have probably never met this person - kerry and irene can make remarks like that. There are two parents who have lost there son - irrespective of how and yet two pathetic bad minded people Kerry abd Irene can be so disrespectful. two words karma and respect come to mind.
- Manta, london u.k.
Thats a nice comment Kerry. And do you know them personally to be able to make that distinction?
- Natty, London
To Irene and Kerry,
I find your comments sad and pathetic. I knew Mr Sabour in a professional capacity and in all manner he was a gentleman. He was considerate, thoughtful, hard working and generous. He was not the stereotypical image of a 'coke head' and he will remebered more fondly than two people who make offenesive and ill-conceived remarks about somebody they have probably never met or ever have the honour of meeting.
- Richard, London
Kerry, I hope no one you love ever goes missing. But then again who cares!
- Stuart, UK
Kerry from Purley how do you know he was a waster...the only sure thing is that he was wastED by cocaine
- Anne, Paris France
More money than sense.!!
- Irene Gizelle, London UK
Who cares? 2 less wasters in the world
- Kerry, Purley
