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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Victoria Johns

Paris Hilton pays tribute to Dragons' Den's Drew Cockton following star's death aged 36

Paris Hilton has shared a heartfelt tribute to Dragons' Den star Drew Cockton, who sadly died aged 36.

Drew won financial backing from Touker Suleyman on the show last year and quickly amassed several celeb fans, including Paris.

Tragically, the entrepreneur passed away at the weekend, with Drew's mum posting on Facebook on Sunday: "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."

Following the sad news, Paris, 41, paid her own tribute to her friend, posting a picture of the pair on Instagram with the caption: "Devastated to hear the news of my friend & #LittleHilton @mrowendrew. He was so kind with a heart of gold.

Paris Hilton paid an emotional tribute to her friend Drew Cockton (parishilton/Instagram)
The socialite shared a hand-written letter from the Dragons' Den star (parishilton/Instagram)

"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 socialite also shared a hand-written letter from Drew in which he thanks the star for her support.

Paris captioned the photo: "Bawling [crying emoji]. This letter means so much. Love you forever @mrowenandrew RIP."

Paris was a big fan of Drew's vision (parishilton/Instagram)
The star lit candles for the gifted entrepreneur (parishilton/Instagram)

Following his stint on the BBC show, Drew won the hearts of the Dragons and viewers after he shared his mental health issues, which inspired him to start his wellness brand.

The entrepreneur founded his vegan fragrance brand in 2017, but won financial backing from Dragon Touker, 69, last year.

Drew quit his corporate job to focus on his scented candle business after being offered the £50,000 investment.

Drew spoke of his struggle with mental health, winning over the hearts of viewers and Dragons (Handout)

He then managed to build a business, Owen Drew, with sales in excess of £1m and endorsements from celebs, including Paris.

However, despite his sterling success, Drew said at the time: "I was totally inexperienced. I was working so hard that I actually made myself quite ill and had a breakdown."

Following the news of the star's passing, Drews' partner, Ryan Gunn, posted a picture of the couple on his Facebook page.

The star won financial backing on the show last year (BBC)

The post was met with much support, with one fan posting: "So so sorry to hear this awful news. Stunned doesn’t really cover it. Big hugs to you and your lovely cats."

While another wrote: "I have no words Ryan. Thinking of you and Drew’s family at this terrible time xx."

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