The Duchess of Cornwall's brother, Mark Shand, has died as a result of a serious head injury he sustained during a fall. The 62-year-old was in New York when the incident happened on Tuesday night. "The duchess, the Prince of Wales and all her family members are utterly devastated by this sudden and tragic loss," Clarence House said. He was described as a man of "extraordinary vitality, a tireless campaigner and conservationist". Mr Shand was chairman of the Elephant Family, a movement which exists to save the endangered Asian elephant. In its statement, Clarence House said it was with "deep sadness" that it had to confirm Mr Shand's death. It said his "incredible work through the Elephant Family and beyond remained his focus right up until his death". Mr Shand reportedly slipped while lighting a cigarette and hit his head on the pavement outside an after-party for a charity event. He was rushed to hospital where he died on Wednesday. The conservationist and travel writer had been in New York for a charity auction at Sotheby's, which was in aid of unprivileged children and the Elephant Family. The event was the finale of the month-long Big Egg Hunt NYC by Faberge, where egg sculptures were sold to the highest bidder. It raised $1.6m for charity and was reportedly also attended by Princess Eugenie.