Desmond Vella, one of the organisers of Earth Garden, died this morning after suddenly developing a condition while on holiday in Cyprus.

Mr Vella, the owner of the popular outlet stores Exit, Miss Sixty, Shu and wine bar 222, was also a director of the popular Tribu Festival, which used to be held annually until some years ago. He was on holiday with his family this week when mixed reports of his death started flowing in.

Sources said that until this morning he was critical and was dependent on a life support machine.

The Times' offices were this morning inundated with calls from the public asking about Mr Vella's condition.

During a recent interview, the 34-year-old businessman said that he was planning to open four new stores over the next five years. Mr Vella was only 20 when he started venturing in business, with Exit being the first shop he opened.

Mr Vella was to celebrate his birthday tomorrow.

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