Tributes are pouring in for BBC Dragons' Den star Drew Cockton who has tragically died at the age of just 36.
Drew previously appeared on the show, where he was offered £50,000 by Touker Suleyman, which forced him to quit his corporate job to focus on his enterprise.
His business, Owen Drew, soared after his appearance, with socialite Paris Hilton becoming one of his celebrity fans.
Drew founded the vegan fragrance brand in 2017 but won the financial backing from Dragon Touker, 69, last year.
His death was announced in a Facebook post by his mother Kate, reports The Mirror.
The announcement, according to the Liverpool Echo, 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."
Meanwhile, Drew's partner Ryan Gunn posted a picture of himself and Drew on his Facebook page and was flooded with messages of condolence in the comments.
During his candle-making career, Drew created the world's most expensive candle to celebrate Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's nuptials in 2018, after the detail of the Duchess of Sussex's floral arrangements was released.
The candles retail at £750 and contain some of the most expensive oils and perfumes in the world.
Last year Drew appeared on the show and told the Dragons how, at the age of 22, he opened a hotel business on Canal Street in Manchester, leaving his job in financial services behind, against the advice of his family.
On the show, he explained: "I was totally inexperienced. I was working so hard that I actually made myself quite ill and had a breakdown and I was diagnosed with bipolar."
He later started his candle and fragrance business from the kitchen table of his home six years ago.He added: "I think my family were a bit worried because they saw that happening again but it hasn't. That's why wellness is so important to me."
After sharing his story, Touker Suleyman revealed his interest in the business.
Touker told Drew: "I own a brand called Ghost and we're looking to get into candles.
"You want somebody to bring you [into] Harrods, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols – we've got access to all these retailers.
"I'm willing to make you an offer. I'll give you all of the £50,000 but I want 30%."
Drew and Touker then negotiated as the investor promised to help him with his retail connections.
Touker then offered: "My offer would be to give you £50,000 for 30%, when I get my money back within 18 months, then 25%."
Drew then looked delighted as he accepted the investment.
Last year, Drew also created the North West LGBTQ+ Business Awards, which aims to shine a light on the contribution the LGBTQ+ community makes to the economy in the North West.
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