Close, who worked for Holiday Extras for more than a decade, latterly as head of travel insurance partnerships, was founded dead in a wooded area near Folkestone in August aged 43.
Last month, friend Chris North – managing director of Vertical Systems and one of TTG Media’s Get Travel Talking Champions – paid tribute to "dear industry colleague" Close, who had a 10-year-old son Zach.
"Ashley and I spoke about our mental demons," said North. "Everyone, no matter who they are, has them one way or another, whether it’s the junior team member sitting beside you at your desk, your seemingly unfazed and fearless boss, or the industry colleague to whom you’ve been meaning to reach out.
"Travel may be well into its recovery and looking to the future post-pandemic, but the scars of the past three years won’t heal quickly. It is incumbent on each and every one of us to shed light on the formidable hurdles that mental health challenges pose."
Close’s funeral at Charing Crematorium took place on Tuesday (12 September), prompting a wave of donations to a fundraising page for the Mind mental health charity, so far running to £1,570, as well as fresh heartfelt tributes.
"We interviewed on the same day and started on the same day at HX," wrote Leanne Regan. "Worked together for over a decade and you were my boss for some of that time. Thinking of you and your family lots."
Claire Purvis added: "I’m so sorry you had no other way. Always in my memory as a great boss and friend. Rest in peace Ash."
Anyone wishing to read the tributes to Ashley or make a contribution to Mind can do so through the Much Loved donations page.
