The World Economic Forum's security chief was found dead Tuesday in his hotel room, local authorities said, adding that his death appeared to be suicide.

It is with great sadness and regret we learned of the tragic death of the Graubuenden Cantonal Police Chief, Dr. Reinhardt, the WEF said in a statement.

During the many years during which we cooperated with him over security for our annual meeting at Davos, we appreciated his professionalism and his kindness. Our thoughts are with his loved ones and his colleagues. The security forces continue to have our full confidence and trust in their work, it added.

Markus Reinhardt, 61, has been head of police in the Swiss canton of Graubuenden since 1984.

The head of the cantonal government said the security at the five-day global economic forum would not be affected by the tragedy.

The World Economic Forum will start on Wednesday and more than 2,500 of the world's business and political elite will participate in the event.

Security