The two people found dead in the home of a Canadian pharmaceutical executive Friday have been confirmed, by the company, to be Apotex founder Barry Sherman and his wife, Honey.
“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,” the company said in a statement late Friday afternoon.
Emergency crews were called to the home at 50 Old Colony Rd. in the Bayview Avenue and Highway 401 area around 11:45 a.m. ET for a medical emergency.
That’s where police say the two were pronounced dead on scene.
Toronto police say the deaths are “suspicious” but are not yet being treated as a homicide.
Hopkinson would not say who first located the bodies, but CBC Toronto has confirmed with a police source that they were found by a non-family member.
Emergency crews were called to 50 Old Colony Rd. in the Bayview Avenue and Highway 401 area around 11:45 a.m. for a medical emergency. That’s where police say two people were found dead. (Katherine Brulotte/CBC)
‘Great leaders’
Police have not identified the victims, nor would they say where in the home they were found.
But word of the deaths prompted an outpouring of grief for the pair, who were also active philanthropists.
In a statement, Mount Sinai Hospital board chair Brent Belzberg said the hospital community was shocked at the loss.
“Barry and Honey Sherman’s commitment to community, unwavering philanthropic leadership and heartfelt commitment to making a difference in people’s lives was palpable in every interaction with them. Their visible leadership on our hospital and foundation board of directors was infused with warmth, passion and a fierce intelligence,” the statement said.
“The impact of their generosity is felt in every area of the hospital.”
“I am beyond words right now,” Ontario Health Minister Dr. Eric Hoskins wrote on Twitter, calling the Shermans “wonderful human beings” and “great leaders in health care.”
I am beyond words right now. My dear friends Barry and Honey Sherman have been found dead. Wonderful human beings, incredible philanthropists, great leaders in health care. A very, very sad day. Barry, Honey, rest in peace.
— @DrEricHoskins
Similar sentiments followed from former premier Bob Rae, Minister of Economic Development and Growth Brad Duguid and Sen. Linda Frum.
Deeply shocked to learn of the deaths of Honey and Barry Sherman, such remarkable people. Grappling with this terrible news.
— @BobRae48
Deeply shocked & saddened to hear of the deaths of Barry & Honey Sherman. Philanthropists and entrepreneurs who made our province a better place to live.
— @BradDuguid
Two weeks ago it gave me immense joy to present a Senate medal to one of the kindest and most beloved members of Canada’s Jewish community. Today I am gutted by the loss of Honey and Barry Sherman. Our community is steeped in grief. I am heartbroken. pic.twitter.com/B8VANUiNbW
— @LindaFrum
The North York home, registered to both Shermans, was recently put on the market for approximately $7 million.
Sherman founded Apotex in 1974. The company produces and exports generic drugs to more than 115 countries worldwide, according to its website.