Dragons’ Den star Drew Cockton’s mum confirmed the sad news on Facebook (Picture: Drew Cockton/Instagram)
Paris Hilton has paid tribute to her friend and former Dragons’ Den star Drew Cockton, following his death at the age of 36.
Cockton appeared on the BBC business programme in 2021, and pitched his vegan fragrance brand named Owen Drew, which he set up in 2017.
The late star secured an astonishing £50,000 investment from Dragon and retail entrepreneur Touker Suleyman and went on to receive a wealth of success due to the show’s popularity.
Confirming the tragic news of his death in a statement, his mum, Kate, issued a statement.
Writing on Facebook on Sunday (October 23), she said: ‘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.’
Close friends took to social media to share their sorrow, including American socialite Hilton.
Hilton hailed Cockton a ‘heart of gold’ (Picture: @parishilton/Instagram)
‘Devastated to hear the news of my friend & #LittleHilton @mrowendrew. 😭💔 He was so kind with a heart of gold,’ she wrote via Instagram Stories.
‘My heart breaks for his loved ones & family. Sending them all my condolences & so much love. RIP sweet soul❤️🙏 Love you forever my friend😢.’
Cockton was also known for his work as an LGBTQ+ campaigner and founded the North West LGBTQ+ Business Awards, hosting the second annual event just last Friday at Liverpool’s Titanic Hotel.
Cockton’s pitch landed a £50,000 investment from Dragon Touker Suleyman last year (Picture: BBC)
Cockton pitched his vegan fragrance brand named Owen Drew on the hit BBC show (Picture:Drew Cockton)
Cockton’s partner, Ryan Gunn, also posted a picture of the couple on his Facebook page, with tributes pouring in following his loss.
‘So so sorry to hear this awful news. Stunned doesn’t really cover it. Big hugs to you and your lovely cats,’ one person wrote.
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‘I have no words Ryan. Thinking of you and Drew’s family at this terrible time xx’, penned another.
Following his stint on Dragons’ Den last year, Cockton won the heart of the viewers and the Dragons after he shared his mental health issues, which inspired him to start his wellness brand.
‘I was totally inexperienced. I was working so hard that I actually made myself quite ill and had a breakdown,’ he said at the time.
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Cockton appeared on Dragons’ Den last year with his candle business.