TORONTO — The Toronto police said they were investigating the mysterious deaths of Barry Sherman, founder of the pharmaceutical company Apotex, and his wife, Honey, who were among Canada’s wealthiest couples.
Their bodies were found in their mansion in an affluent section of northeast Toronto on Friday.
The police said they had learned of the deaths after responding to a medical call at the Shermans’ home. Two bodies covered in blankets were removed from the home and loaded into an unmarked van Friday night.
“The circumstances of their death appear suspicious and we are treating it that way,” said Constable David Hopkinson. Homicide detectives told reporters that there had been no signs of forced entry.
Neighbors, business associates and some of Canada’s most powerful politicians said they were saddened by the deaths.
“Our condolences to their family & friends, and to everyone touched by their vision & spirit,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote on Twitter.
Mayor John Tory of Toronto said in statement that he was “shocked and heartbroken” to learn of the deaths, noting that the couple had made extensive contributions to the city.
Continue reading the main story“Toronto Police are investigating, and I hope that investigation will be able to provide answers for all of us who are mourning this tremendous loss,” Mr. Tory said.
The Shermans recently listed their home for sale for nearly 7 million Canadian dollars, about $5.4 million. A real estate agent discovered the bodies in the basement while preparing for an open house, The Toronto Globe and Mail reported, citing a relative.
Mr. Sherman, 75, founded the privately held Apotex in 1974, growing it by introducing large numbers of low-cost generic drugs that took market share from brand pharmaceuticals. He stepped down as chief executive in 2012 but remained as executive chairman.
Forbes has estimated Mr. Sherman’s fortune at $3.2 billion.
Apotex is the world’s No. 7 generic drugmaker, with 11,000 employees and annual sales of more than 2 billion Canadian dollars in more than 45 countries, according to its website.
The couple was known for their philanthropy, giving tens of millions to hospitals, universities and Jewish organizations, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported.
“They were extremely successful in business, but also very, very giving people,” former Ontario Premier Bob Rae told CBC. “It’s going to be a very, very big loss.”
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