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24th Oct 2022

Dragons’ Den star Drew Cockton dies at home after winning £50,000 investment

Tobi Akingbade

RIP.

Dragon’s Den star Drew Cockton has died at home aged 36, his mother has revealed.

The TV star pitched his scented candle business on the BBC had secured a £50,000 investment from entrepreneur Touker Suleyman.

Cokcton’s mum Kate released a statement on Facebook saying her son had died “peacefully” at home – 17 months after appearing on Dragons’ Den.

It 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.”

The circumstances surrounding Drew’s death are not yet known.

The 36-year-old founded his vegan fragrance brand, Owen Drew, in 2016 after taking a gamble and quitting his job in financial services. His business partner Mike Skeggs joined six months later.

The candles – costing up to £750 – are made from some of the world’s most expensive oils and perfumes.

Drew – who appeared on Dragons’ Den in May 2021 – attracted celebrity fans including socialite Paris Hilton.

His motto was: “Life is not a dress rehearsal.”

Just four days ago, Drew posted on Facebook that he was honoured to have been asked as a guest speaker at Rotary on the Wirral on November 11.

He wrote: “I’ll be talking all about how Mike Skeggs and I built Owen Drew from the ground up, sharing tips and secrets for launching a business on a shoestring, discussing past failures and things I wish I had done differently… as well as covering all things Dragons’ Den.

“We’ll also be exploring fragrance and what goes into making a show-stopping perfume.”

Drew’s mum was flooded with messages of condolence on her Facebook page.

One friend wrote: “To say I am Devastated is an understatement, Drew you are the most beautiful star in the sky tonight.

“RIP beautiful boy ,will never forget you and your beautiful heart and soul.”

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Topics:

BBC,Dragon's Den