THIS is the last picture of Dragons’ Den star Drew Cockton – taken just hours before his death at a party with pals.
The talented entrepreneur died "peacefully" at home on Saturday aged 36, his mother revealed yesterday.
His untimely death has devastated his friends, family and customers of Owen Drew – his business that Dragon Touker Suleyman invested £50,000 in.
The TV star – who pitched his scented candle and fragrance business on the BBC in May 2021 – has been hailed as "an absolute one off, who was creative, smart, kind and wickedly good fun".
Drew had turned his vegan brand into a roaring success, selling the world's most expensive candles- costing up to £750 -and attracting celebrity fans including socialite Paris Hilton.
His friend James Golden said he was "lost for words" as he shared a picture of them together on the night he died.
MORE ON DRAGONS’ DEN
Every star who quit Dragons’ Den – reasons they left and net worth
Dragons’ Den star Sarah Willingham reveals ‘really competitive’ rivalry
James wrote: "Can’t believe im writing this…
"The photo of us was taken only a matter of hours before you sadly passed.
"Your party was incredible; until we meet again.
"Good night god bless x."
Most read in TV
This Morning's resident vet caught on camera in road rage incident
Emmerdale’s Michelle Hardwick shows off huge baby bump as she prepares for birth
I’m A Celebrity 2022 start date revealed – and it’s only in a matter of days
Dragons’ Den star found dead after £50k investment for celeb-fave candle firm
Drew's heartbroken mum Kate released a statement on Facebook saying her son had died. The circumstances surrounding his death are not yet known.
The tribute read: "We are truly, utterly heartbroken to have to tell you that our beloved Drew Peter George Cockton (my gorgeous boy) died peacefully at home yesterday.
"We are devastated beyond belief.
"Life is never, ever going to be the same again.
"Rest Peacefully darling boy."
Paris Hilton also shared her upset, writing: “Devastated to hear the news of my friend & #LittleHilton @mrowendrew. 😭💔 He was so kind with a heart of gold.
“My heart breaks for his loved ones & family. Sending them all my condolences & so much love. RIP sweet soul❤️🙏 Love you forever my friend😢.”
The 36-year-old founded his vegan fragrance brand, Owen Drew, in 2016 after taking a gamble and quitting his job in financial services.
His business partner Mike Skeggs joined six months later.
A BBC spokesman said: “The Dragons’ Den team are very saddened to hear that Drew has passed away.
"Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time.”
Drew's business partner Touker also wrote a heartfelt tribute on Instagram last night, saying: "Devastated by the sad news , passing away of young entrepreneur Drew Cockton.
"Drew came to Dragons' Den and won my investment in his candle and fragrance business.
"Young man with drive, passion, business acumen, with plenty of energy. He will be missed by his family and us. Rest in peace Drew."
His motto was: "Life is not a dress rehearsal."
Just four days ago, Drew posted on Facebook that he was honoured to have been asked as a guest speaker at Rotary on the Wirral on November 11.
He wrote: "I’ll be talking all about how Mike Skeggs and I built Owen Drew from the ground up, sharing tips and secrets for launching a business on a shoestring, discussing past failures and things I wish I had done differently… as well as covering all things Dragons’ Den.
"We’ll also be exploring fragrance and what goes into making a show stopping perfume."
Drew's mum was flooded with messages of condolence on her Facebook page.
One friend wrote: "Oh Kate I am so so sorry to hear such sudden and terrible news. He done u all proud and I am sure he knew just how proud u all were of him. Sending you all my love and thoughts x."
Someone else said: "I can't believe it
! He achieved so much in his all too short life but had so much more to do. What an inspiration! My heart goes out to his family and Ryan. Words are not enough, but sending love and huge hugs.xx."Another added: "I am so sorry to hear your sad news. I can't believe I have seen this post.
"Drew was the most kind and caring person going. He helped me through a hard time when my cats were poorly and had to have both put to sleep. Truly going to be missed by all. RIP Drew."
Another said: "To say I am Devastated is an under statement, Drew you are the most beautiful star in the sky tonight.
"RIP beautiful boy ,will never forget you and your beautiful heart and soul."
Read More on The Sun
Shoppers go wild for Primark’s £4 dupe of Gemma Owen’s £20k Tiffany necklace
I’m a tech whiz – every iPhone owner should turn on ‘life-saving’ feature today
Someone else: "I'm devastated. RIP beautiful boy Drew you will be sadly missed you had a heart of pure gold flight high see you on the other side.
"Thinking of your beautiful family and friends at this very sad time."
Source: Read Full Article
