Drew Cockton: Stars pay tribute as Dragons’ Den businessman dies suddenly at 36 | Ents & Arts News
A businessman who won a £50,000 investment in the TV show Dragons’ Den has died suddenly at the age of 36.
Drew Cockton, owner of home vegan fragrance and candle brand Owen Drew, died at home on Saturday, October 22.
Confirming the news in a Facebook post, his mother Kate wrote: “We are truly, heartbroken to tell you that our beloved Drew Peter George Cockton (my gorgeous boy) passed away peacefully at home yesterday.
“We are devastated beyond belief. Life never, will ever be the same again. Rest in peace dear boy.”
She also shared a photo of her son, looking happy and relaxed in a sunny garden.
Mr Cockton, who was also the founder of the North West LGBTQ+ Business Awards, passed away just hours after the second LGBTQ+ Business Awards were held at the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool.
Celebrities paid tribute, with Paris Hilton, a fan of his candles, writing on Instagram: “You are such a light.”
Along with a short video, showing her with Mr Cockton and a photo of him with his candles, she wrote that she was “devastated”, adding “so kind with a heart of gold” … my heart breaks for his loved ones and his family”.
Dragons’ Den businessman Touker Suleyman, who supported Mr Cockton on the BBC reality show, and invested £50,000 in his brand, also said he was “devastated by the news”.
Suleyman wrote on Instagram: “Drew came to Dragons Den and won my investment in his candle and perfume business. Young man with energy, passion, business acumen and a wealth of knowledge. full of energy. He will be missed by his family and us. Rest in peace Drawn.”
Meanwhile, The Guide’s team in Liverpool, who were on stage with him at the LGBTQ+ Enterprise Awards in the North West on Friday said they were also devastated.
In a tweet, they said: “He brought so much love and joy to the winners, nominees and the entire auditorium at his event, #LGBTQBusinessAwards on Friday. Rest in peace and shine, Drew.”
A BBC spokesman said: “Team Dragons’ Den is saddened to learn of Drew’s passing. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time.”
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The young entrepreneur impressed Dragons, talking about his previous mental health issues, and why the concept of health is important to him.
Despite being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, he quit his job in the financial services industry, eventually starting a successful candle business from his kitchen table.
His vegan fragrance brand, Owen Drew, offers some of the world’s most expensive oils and fragrances, producing natural soy wax candles – costing up to £750 – melted and dewy soy wax blind luxury rooms, all handcrafted in Birkenhead, in WirralMerseyside.
Drew’s cause of death has not been released.
