An autopsy has revealed the cause of death of a Canadian billionaire couple whose bodies were found in their Toronto mansion.
Pharmaceutical billionaire Barry Sherman, 75, founder of Apotex Inc, and his 70-year-old wife, Honey, were found dead in their north Toronto mansion on Friday from ‘ligature neck compression’, a development suggesting they may have been strangled.
Multiple outlets reported that police initially were investigating the deaths as a possible murder-suicide, citing unidentified police sources, due to the deaths being described as ‘suspicious’.
The bodies were found hanging from a railing on the edge of a basement swimming pool, The Globe and Mail reported, among other outlets, all citing police sources.
An autopsy has revealed that Canadian billionaire couple Barry Sherman, 75 (left), and his 70-year-old wife, Honey (right) died from ‘ligature neck compression’, a development suggesting they may have been strangled
Multiple outlets reported that police initially were investigating the deaths of Sherman, the founder of Apotex Inc, and his wife as a possible murder-suicide, citing unidentified police sources.
Investigators had also toyed with the theory that Sherman killed his wife at some place in the mansion, hanged her body and then hanged himself at the pool’s edge.
The Shermans recently put up their house for sale for $5.4 million.
The immediate family in a statement released Saturday by Apotex admonished law enforcement sources for telling members of the media the deaths were from a murder-suicide before autopsy results were released, and slammed reports of a possible murder-suicide as ‘irresponsible’.
Homicide detectives told reporters gathered outside the home on Friday that there were no signs of forced entry.
The deaths shocked Canadian high society and prompted Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to make a statement.
Homicide detectives later told reporters gathered outside the home that there were no signs of forced entry
The Shermans recently listed their luxury home situated in an affluent Toronto neighborhood for sale for nearly $5.4million
Sherman, who would have turned 76 next month, and his wife, were well known for their generosity and gave millions to charity
In the Sherman’s family’s statement, they urged the media to avoid speculating on the cause of the deaths.
‘Our parents shared an enthusiasm for life and commitment to their family and community totally inconsistent with the rumors regrettably circulated in the media as to the circumstances surrounding their deaths,’ they said in a statement Saturday whose contents were reported by The Globe and Mail.
‘We are shocked and think it’s irresponsible that police sources have reportedly advised the media of a theory which neither their family, their friends nor their colleagues believe to be true.’
The Shermans were among Canada’s most generous philanthropists.
Police tape and patrol cars surround the home of Apotex founder Barry Sherman and wife, Honey Sherman after they were found dead
A realtor showing off the house to potential buyers discovered them hanging from rails, side-by-side, next to their indoor swimming pool (above), reports suggest
Canadian Seantor Linda Frum shared a picture of her with the pair at a recent ceremony
Their deaths have stunned the country, and has prompted an outpouring of grief from prominent businessman and even a tribute from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
The couple made numerous multimillion-dollar donations to hospitals, schools and charities and had buildings named in their honor.
They also hosted Trudeau for a Liberal party fundraiser in 2015.
Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau issued a statement on Twitter.
‘Sophie and I are saddened by news of the sudden passing of Barry and Honey Sherman,’ Trudeau said.
‘Our condolences to their family & friends, and to everyone touched by their vision & spirit.’
Sherman founded Toronto-based Apotex Inc. in 1974 with two employees and turned it into the largest Canadian-owned pharmaceutical company.
Canadian Business magazine recently estimated his worth at $3.65 billion, making him the 15th richest person in the country.
Apotex is a generic drugmaker with 11,000 employees world-wide, including more than 6,000 in Canada.
The company released a statement on Saturday paying tribute to its founder, praising both his philanthropic efforts and what it described as his vision for health care.
The couple recently put the house on the market for $5.4million (pictured). A real estate agent showing off the house found their remains next to the pool
An unidentified woman who delivered flowers at the home of Apotex founder Barry Sherman and wife, Honey Sherman, is escorted away by police
‘Patients around the world live healthier and more fulfilled lives thanks to his life’s work, and his significant impact on health care and health care sustainability will have an enduring impact for many years to come,’ the statement read.
‘As employees, we are proud of his tremendous accomplishments, honored to have known him, and vow to carry on with the Apotex purpose in his honor.’
Honey Sherman was a member of the board of the York University Foundation. She also served on the boards of Mount Sinai’s Women’s Auxiliary, the Simon Wiesenthal Center and the International American Joint Distribution Committee.
But Barry Sherman was not without controversy. He faced legal action from family members alleging they had been cut out of the company over the years.
‘We are at a loss of words,’ neighbor Sarah Alva said. ‘They are both the most wonderful people we knew and our hearts goes out to their families.’