Court accepts UK inquest verdict

Saturday 07 January 2023

The inquest into the death of entrepreneur, philanthropist, and racing enthusiast, Zef Eisenberg has been formally closed by the Coroner's court in Guernsey, where he lived, with the verdict of death by misadventure accepted.

Mr Eisenberg (47) died in a car crash while competing in one of the sports he was passionate for - at Elvington Airfield, York on October 1 2020.

The Maximuscle founder was attempting to break the British land speed record when his fatal accident occurred.

He was found by North Yorkshire Corner’s Court to have died from multiple traumatic injuries after losing control of his vehicle at approximately 244mph.

An inquest was opened in Guernsey on October 16 2020 before being adjourned. His body was repatriated and released to his family for burial shortly after. 

Judge Graeme McKerrell yesterday said there was no need to question the findings already made by the North Yorkshire authorities and confirmed that he accepted “the verdict of a competent court”. 

Initially qualifying as a gym instructor, with a recognised talent for design and technology while at school, Mr Eisenberg founded Maximuscle in 1995. He  established the brand as an international commercial success. He then sold the company in 2011 for £162m and remained a consultant thereafter. 

He also had a passion for racing and broke several land speed records throughout his life, as well as being a prominent angel investor and philanthropist for good causes. 

He moved to Guernsey with his family and invested in multiple local businesses and employed staff through those businesses and personally. His Maxicorp business was headquartered here with financial interests across the world. He launched his Madmax Race Team in 2011 from the island. Using local engineering talent he built his own motorbikes to race with. 

Mr Eisenberg contributed to numerous charities including the Saumarez Park Playground appeal, the Jubilee Skate Park, and others which reflected his personal interests and his commitment to island life.