A Canadian billionaire and his wife were found dead in their home on Friday in what police have called “suspicious” circumstances.
Tributes have begun pouring in for Barry Sherman, founder of the pharmaceutical company Apotex, and his wife, Honey, after they were found in their Toronto home.
Emergency crews were called to the home at about 11:45 a.m. on Friday, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported, with police saying only that a man and woman were pronounced dead on the scene.
In a statement, Apotex confirmed the Shermans had been killed: “We’ve been informed of the tragic news that Barry and Honey Sherman have unexpectedly passed away. All of us at Apotex are deeply shocked and saddened by this news and our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.”
Officers have not released many further details, but in a press conference a police spokesperson said the deaths were “suspicious” but are not yet being treated as homicides.
Investigators are still attempting to “determine if there is foul play involved or not,” Detective Brandon Price told reporters, “and at this point we cannot say 100% with certainty if there is or there is not.”
Police later said there were no signs of forced entry at the property and they were not currently searching for a suspect, according to CBC.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ontario’s health minister, Dr. Eric Hoskins, were among those who paid tribute to the Shermans.
Barry Sherman founded Apotex in 1974. The pharmaceutical company produces and exports generic drugs to more than 115 countries.
Outside of the pharmaceutical business, the Shermans were also known for their philanthropy. The couple had made numerous multimillion dollar donations to hospitals, schools, and charities.
